Eastern Cameroon — Spetember 15, 2009— IRD’s activities in eastern Cameroon were visited by was UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and actress, Mia Farrow. She was able to see wells that IRD has installed and meet with the community water management committees now responsible for their maintenance, as well as touring bio-intensive farms, including seeing huge quantities of maize harvested from small plots or farms.

Later, James Jean, IRD’s country director in Cameroon, represented the organization at a 17 September dinner at the residence of the United States Ambassador to Cameroon, Janet Garvey, honoring the actress, and he was given an opportunity to describe IRD’s programs in the country and the region. Other attendees included representatives from all the United Nations agencies in country, International Medical Corps (the other invited NGO), and Cameroonian government officials.

IRD is improving food security for 32,500 refugees from CAR and 22,500 host community residents by training them in biointensive farming—which will provide year-round access to nutritious food—recover livestock, and improve potable water systems.