Kïkeng Centre for Sustainable Development (KCSD)
VISION
Ki’Keng Center for Sustainable Development is an organization that envisages the promotion of traditional and indigenous knowledge sharing, culture, traditional food, livelihoods, and economic activities for all people in rural communities and diverse landscapes in Cameroon; such activities that are not only limited to sustaining livelihoods but also reinforce cultural identity, promote environmental stewardship, and foster community resilience.
VISION
Ki’Keng Center for Sustainable Development is an organization that envisages the promotion of traditional and indigenous knowledge sharing, culture, traditional food, livelihoods, and economic activities for all people in rural communities and diverse landscapes in Cameroon; such activities that are not only limited to sustaining livelihoods but also reinforce cultural identity, promote environmental stewardship, and foster community resilience.
MISSION
- Cultural Preservation: To maintain and transmit cultural heritage, traditions, languages, and practices across generations for the over 250 ethnic groups in Cameroon
- Sustainable Resource Management: To promote practices that ensure the sustainable use and conservation of natural resources, aligning with ecological principles.
- Community Empowerment: To build community solidarity and empower Indigenous communities in decision-making processes, particularly regarding land use, resource management, and cultural rights.
- Holistic Understanding: To provide a comprehensive worldview that integrates social, spiritual, and environmental dimensions, fostering a deeper connection to the land and community.
- Knowledge Sharing: To facilitate the exchange of knowledge within and between communities, enriching understanding and adaptability.
- Environmental Stewardship: To guide sustainable practices and foster a sense of responsibility for the land and ecosystems.
- Crisis Resilience: To equip communities with adaptive strategies in the face of environmental changes, economic pressures, and socio-political challenges.
- Health and Well-being: To promote traditional healing practices and holistic health approaches that are culturally relevant and effective.
- Identity and Belonging: To strengthen community identity and foster a sense of belonging among members through shared knowledge and practices.
- Education: To create educational frameworks that incorporate indigenous perspectives, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of learning for Indigenous youth.
Plans and Activities
1. Traditional Agriculture and Farming
Crop Cultivation: Growing local varieties of crops that are well-suited to the environment.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
2. Hunting and Fishing
Sustainable Practices: Engaging in traditional hunting and fishing methods that respect ecological balances.
Seasonal Harvesting: Following seasonal cycles and cultural practices to ensure resources are not overexploited.
3. Crafts and Artisanal Production
Handicrafts: Creating traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and carving, which are often sold for income or used in cultural ceremonies.
Cultural Art: Producing art that reflects cultural stories, beliefs, and practices, contributing to both identity and income.
4. Gathering Wild Foods
Foraging: Collecting wild fruits, nuts, herbs, and other plants for food and medicinal purposes.
Traditional Knowledge: Utilizing indigenous knowledge to identify and sustainably harvest wild foods.
5. Livestock Raising
Animal Husbandry: Raising traditional breeds of livestock that are adapted to local conditions and cultural practices.
Sustainable Grazing: Implementing practices that maintain soil health and minimize environmental impact.
6. Ecotourism
Cultural Tours: Offering guided tours that showcase indigenous culture, traditions, and natural heritage, providing economic benefits to communities
Wildlife Conservation: Engaging in conservation efforts that attract tourists while preserving biodiversity.
7. Natural Resource Management
Community Forestry: Managing forests in a way that benefits both the community and the environment.
Water Management: Utilizing traditional knowledge for sustainable water resource management.
8. Education and Knowledge Sharing
Cultural Education: Teaching younger generations about traditional practices, languages, and values.
Workshops and Training: Organizing events to share skills and knowledge within the community and with outsiders.
9. Advocacy and Rights Protection
Land Rights Activism: Engaging in advocacy to secure land rights and protect traditional territories.
Policy Engagement: Participating in discussions and negotiations with governments and organizations to promote indigenous rights
- Traditional Agriculture and Farming
Crop Cultivation: Growing local varieties of crops that are well-suited to the environment.
Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural landscapes to enhance biodiversity and soil health.
- Hunting and Fishing
Sustainable Practices: Engaging in traditional hunting and fishing methods that respect ecological balances.
Seasonal Harvesting: Following seasonal cycles and cultural practices to ensure resources are not overexploited.
- Crafts and Artisanal Production
Handicrafts: Creating traditional crafts such as weaving, pottery, and carving, which are often sold for income or used in cultural ceremonies.
Cultural Art: Producing art that reflects cultural stories, beliefs, and practices, contributing to both identity and income.
- Gathering Wild Foods
Foraging: Collecting wild fruits, nuts, herbs, and other plants for food and medicinal purposes.
Traditional Knowledge: Utilizing indigenous knowledge to identify and sustainably harvest wild foods.
- Livestock Raising
Animal Husbandry: Raising traditional breeds of livestock that are adapted to local conditions and cultural practices.
Sustainable Grazing: Implementing practices that maintain soil health and minimize environmental impact.
- Ecotourism
Cultural Tours: Offering guided tours that showcase indigenous culture, traditions, and natural heritage, providing economic benefits to communities.
Wildlife Conservation: Engaging in conservation efforts that attract tourists while preserving biodiversity.
- Natural Resource Management
Community Forestry: Managing forests in a way that benefits both the community and the environment.
Water Management: Utilizing traditional knowledge for sustainable water resource management.
- Education and Knowledge Sharing
Cultural Education: Teaching younger generations about traditional practices, languages, and values.
Workshops and Training: Organizing events to share skills and knowledge within the community and with outsiders.
- Advocacy and Rights Protection
Land Rights Activism: Engaging in advocacy to secure land rights and protect traditional territories.
Policy Engagement: Participating in discussions and negotiations with governments and organizations to promote indigenous rights.