Biondel Silenou, voice of Youth Movements for peasant Agro-Ecology in the Congo basin

Simon Kalla
2 hours ago
3 min read

World Social Forum West Africa, Dakar — At the heart of debates about Africa’s agricultural future, a voice is rising strongly from Cameroon.

Blondel Silenou, a Cameroonian delegate, embodies the new generation of activists who refuse to see Central Africa become a dumping ground for toxic agricultural practices banned elsewhere. “Africa is not the trash can for toxic chemicals!”

This statement, confidently declared during the launch of the KILIMO EKOLOJIA movement, perfectly summarizes Blondel Silenou’s mindset. For this activist from Cameroon, the fight for peasant agro-ecology goes beyond mere environmental concerns.

“When I see multinational companies selling pesticides in Central Africa that are banned in Europe or North America, I think they really see us as second-class citizens,” he confides between sessions at the Dakar forum.

Representing youth movements from the Congo Basin, Blondel Silenou carries a message of hope rooted in the realities of his region.

This area, home to the second-largest tropical rainforest in the world, faces major agricultural challenges: massive deforestation, slash-and-burn farming, and dependence on food imports.

“Our soils are among the richest on the continent, our climate is favorable year-round, yet we import rice from Asia and wheat from Europe,” he laments. “This is an economic and ecological nonsense that our generation refuses to accept.”

For several years, Blondel has been active in coordinating and establishing a youth movement across six countries in the Congo Basin: Cameroon, Central African Republic Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Republic of Congo. The goal is to experiment with agro-ecological techniques adapted to the specificities of the equatorial and Sahelian zones.

Blondel Silenou’s commitment extends beyond words. At the headquarters of the NGO Young Volunteers for the Environment in Cameroon, he leads a series of training sessions for young people. “If our generation is to realize its mission, it is essential for us to ensure the transfer of necessary skills,” he emphasizes.

This approach combines traditional knowledge with modern innovations: crop rotation inspired by traditional practices, improved composting, introduction of nitrogen-fixing legumes, and the use of bio-pesticides made from local plants like neem.

“Our grandparents farmed without chemicals and fed their families. We must rediscover that wisdom and adapt it to current challenges,” he summarizes.

A Regional Approach Is Necessary

Beyond his on-the-ground efforts, Blondel advocates for harmonizing agricultural policies across the region. “Pesticides banned in Cameroon can still be sold in the DRC or Gabon. A coordinated regional approach is needed,” he argues.

As his fight begins to resonate more with young people, it is crucial that authorities incorporate peasant agro-ecological issues into their development programs. “We are not asking for charity; we are proposing solutions,” Blondel insists. “Give us access to credit, technical training, and markets, and we will prove that agro-ecology can feed Africa.”

Blondel Silenou’s presence at the Dakar Social Forum exemplifies the emergence of a new generation of African leaders—educated, connected, and determined to transform their continent from within.

“My generation no longer accepts being a spectator of its future,” he declares. “We want to be agents of change, on our lands, with our means, according to our values.”

His message resonates even more strongly considering that 65% of the Congo Basin’s population is under 25 years old. A youthful population that could turn this region into Africa’s agro-ecological breadbasket—if the necessary support is provided.

Building on the success of the KILIMO EKOLOJIA launch, Blondel already announces his upcoming initiatives. “In a few months, we will organize the first peasant agro-ecology academy, followed by a series of initiatives,” he reveals.

His ambition: to make this region a continental model of agro-ecological transition, demonstrating that it is possible to reconcile food security, environmental preservation, and economic development.

“Africa can feed Africa,” he repeats, echoing the movement’s slogan. “But first, Central Africa must feed itself. That is our challenge, our mission.”

BY AMOS MUANG NSAH

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