Sources Magazine
SOURCES is a publication devoted to sharing comprehensive stories from different parts of the coffee, cacao and tea producing world.
These stories bring both positive and negative current events to light.
The Anglophone crisis has caused widespread displacement, violence, and insecurity in Cameroon. Small farmers who rely on their farms for their livelihoods have been displaced, with many unable to access their land or markets to sell their produce.
In this context, the washing station has become a vital meeting place for the community. It's where people come to wash their motorbikes and share news and stories, providing a moment of respite from the trials of daily life.
For more information follow the link in our bio.
In the midst of the crisis in Cameroon, a simple photo of a snail takes on unexpected significance. Despite their small size, snails are incredibly resilient creatures, adapting to their environment in ways that reflect the resourcefulness of the Cameroonian people.
Like the snail, the people of Cameroon have had to navigate a tumultuous landscape, facing challenges that threaten to erode their foundations. Yet, even in times of distress, both the snail and the people of Cameroon have demonstrated a remarkable ability to persevere.
Their ability to weather the storm stems from a deep-rooted sense of resilience and adaptability, hallmarks of both the snail and the Cameroonian people. In the end, they share a common bond, reminding us that even the most unlikely of characters can serve as a symbol of hope in times of crisis.
For more information head to the link in our bio.
Looking at a young boy from the Alongsi region, something catches our eye. Is it the yellow shirt he is wearing, or the hopeful look in his eyes? Perhaps itis the fact that he is growing up in the midst of a conflict that has already taken so much from him and his community. And yet, there is something else there - a glimmer of resilience and determination that speaks to a deeper truth.
We cain imagine he is just one of many who is refusing to give up in the face of hardship. Despite the violence and unrest that surrounds them, the people of Cameroon have come together to support one another and build a brighter future. They’ve chosen hope over despair, and in doing so, they have become an example to us all.
In a world where conflict and division seemed all too prevalent, it’s these small acts of kindness and courage that hold the greatest promise for the future. If you want to learn more about the current situation in Cameroon and the role coffee plays in bringing a community together head to the link in our bio and grab a copy of Beans of Resistance, the first issue of our magazine.
The once lively and thriving commercial center of Acha Village is now concrete evidence showing the devastating effects of military intervention. The Uptown Acha store, a symbol of the village's economic prosperity, was ruthlessly razed to the ground, along with the homes of its residents. This tragedy is only a small part of the larger anglophone crisis that has plagued Cameroon for years, a crisis marked by violence and unrest that took a heavy toll on the country's people and communities.
Losing their homes, businesses and witnessing widespread destruction, the community has come together to rebuild and start anew. This is evident in the reopening of small mom-and-pop stores, community initiatives to clear the rubble, and the steadfast determination of the villagers to restore their livelihoods. These examples are a testament to the human spirit, proving that even in times of difficulty, hope and recovery are always possible.
Hear more about the crisis, coffee, and the people involved by visiting the link in our bio.
Amidst the tumultuous landscape of Cameroon, one man stands tall in his protective gear, tending to the abandoned Bamenda church with a steadfast determination. Though left in disrepair,
the tireless efforts of this individual and his
community symbolize resilience in the face of adversity.
For the small-scale coffee farmers of Bamenda, this forgotten place of worship is more than just a building - it's a symbol of perseverance and solidarity. Despite the challenges they face, the people of this community gather around this place
of worship to restore what violence has damaged using their hard work as a form of resistance. The church stands tall as a beacon of hope, inspiring all who see it to carry on and rebuild what has been lost.
Join us on a journey of discovery as we delve into the rich tapestry of life in Cameroon, where coffee is woven into the fabric of everyday existence. Click the link in our bio to learn more and experience the powerful intersection of coffee and humanity.
A determined man readies his motorcycle for a journey, loaded with a hefty load of wood prepared for the market. Despite the challenges posed by conflict, transportation remains a crucial component in the supply chain of essential goods.
Small scale producers in Cameroon must navigate roadblocks and government bans on their preferred mode of transportation, motorcycles, to reach their customers.
But they persevere, driven by their commitment to sustain their communities and their livelihoods.
Explore the lives and challenges of Cameroonian coffee farmers by visiting the link in our bio.
SOURCES’ first film follows the team as they journey through Chiapas, Mexico to meet the region’s coffee & cacao producers. On their journey, the team learn about individual workers, small scale farmers, and large-scale farmers - those of which employ a sizable work force. Through exploration, the team discovers the dynamics and complexities of the production industry in Southeast Mexico, as well as the supply chain issues that are faced there. SOURCES discusses the importance of sustainable farming and agroforestry, which are critical practices for the vitality and continued progress of the planet.
This is Ernest’s brother Victor (Ernest is in the previous photo). The image captures him in the foreground of a small home/ dwelling. Which symbolizes the difficulty Internally displaced people face in the anglophone region.
Victor is the main transporter of people to and from villages - communicates in English, French or the local dialect to negotiate passage past check points along the Belo/Bamenda corridor.
Although there is a much more complex history that the separation of the people of Cameroon developed from. Language is a primary indicator of which region people reside & possibly their political views.
Photo: “Old market road to Acha”
This is Ernest, the operations manager for Cameroon Boyo. Standing on a road in the Acha village corridor.
He is a vital asset, coordinates & organizes the milling & export processing of coffee for Cameroon Boyo & all the farmers involved.
Its important we give light to the people who are playing an important role in the betterment of others in these trying times in Cameroon. Helping farmers continue cultivating and exporting crop although a lot of them and their families are dealing with difficult situations.
Coffee Sapling Uprooted in Bamenda, Cameroon