Sustainable Coffee Agroforestry Literature Review: NW Region, Cameroon.

Organizational Context

Goodness and Mercy Missions (GMM) is a Cameroonian nonprofit organization established in 2007, with ECOSOC consultative status. Based in the North West Region, GMM addresses poverty and vulnerability through education, women's empowerment, and community development. The organization operates in crisis-affected areas, providing essential services and aiming to strengthen evidence-based early childhood education programs. GMM's work aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, including Quality Education, and supports families impacted by the Anglophone crisis.

Job Purpose

This assignment aims to strengthen the evidence base for Goodness and Mercy Missions' (GMM) community-based early childhood education (ECE) work in Cameroon's North West Region. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive literature review on sustainable coffee agroforestry systems relevant to the region's highlands and transitional zones. This research will identify viable design principles and delivery mechanisms for GMM's context, informing future program design, partner engagement, and donor communications. The findings will contribute to biodiversity conservation, agricultural resilience, and the development of climate-resilient rural economies, directly supporting GMM's mission to provide culturally appropriate services to children and families affected by the ongoing crisis.

Responsibilities

The assignment involves a collaborative literature review divided into four key areas: 1. Overview of Coffee Cultivation: Review the history, current practices, and landscape of coffee cultivation in Cameroon, focusing on the North West and West Regions to establish national and regional context for sustainable agroforestry. 2. Biodiversity and Agroforestry Systems: Analyze existing literature on agroforestry systems integrating coffee with indigenous tree species in western Cameroon, identifying unique practices, and noting research gaps. 3. Geographic, Climatic, and Soil Conditions: Compile and summarize information on the North West Region's geography, climate, altitude, and soil composition to assess suitability for specific coffee varieties and agroforestry models. 4. Comparative Analysis and Recommendations: Compare conditions and agroforestry approaches from similar highland regions in Sub-Saharan Africa, providing evidence-based recommendations for sustainable production models adaptable to the North West Region and synthesizing all contributions into a coherent review.

Work Experience

Candidates should possess experience in academic research, including conducting literature reviews, analyzing information, and synthesizing findings. Strong writing skills for producing professional and coherent literature reviews are essential. Attention to detail in assessing research materials and teamwork capabilities are also required. Knowledge of Cameroonian or West African agricultural systems is considered a significant asset.

Skills

Key skills include strong academic research capabilities, proficiency in literature review, analysis, and synthesis. Excellent written communication skills are necessary for producing clear and concise professional reports. A keen attention to detail for evaluating research quality and a collaborative spirit for teamwork are important. Familiarity with Cameroonian or West African agricultural systems is advantageous.

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