STONEFARMS believes agriculture is more than cultivating crops it is about nurturing people, shaping leaders, and building resilience against climate change. This vision came alive during our most recent 3-month internship evaluation of students for their academic and professional internship, where over 28 interns from Eight higher institutions across Cameroon presented their work before a jury of seasoned experts.
The students, representing, The Faculty of agronomy and agricultural science (FASA Dschang), NANFAH Higher Institute (Dschang), PHIBMAT Higher Institute (Douala), FOYAGUEM Higher Institute (Dschang), Thiobeems Polytechnique (Bafoussam), ETA Bafang, ABC Vocational Training Center (Dschang), and Business & Career University (Dschang), spent their internship journey immersed in both technical agriculture and climate-smart practices.
1. What They Learned
Our curriculum blends agribusiness skills with climate advocacy, ensuring every intern graduates as a resilient agripreneur and a climate-conscious leader. Key areas of training included:
- Nursery management and plant propagation
- Agroecology & regenerative agriculture
- Organic fertilizer & compost production
- Farm and garden installations(school gardens, community gardens)
- Urban farming innovations
- Sales techniques & agribusiness models
- Community support & leadership
- Climate change awareness & mitigation strategies
We ensure students understand not only how agriculture sustains livelihoods, but also how it is intertwined with the climate crisis, and what practical methods can be used to mitigate its effects on farms and communities.
2. Evaluation: Classroom Standards, Real-World Relevance
At the end of the internship, each student is given 15 minutes to present their findings and experiences. They are evaluated rigorously, much like in an academic defense, but with practical agricultural depth.
This session was guided by a highly qualified jury of experts:
- Dr. Ndifon Dimanche Kenga – Agricultural extension and community development expert
- Dr. Boyah Julius Kajoh – Biotechnologist and development expert
- Mr. Ginga Emile Ande– Climate expert
- Mme Magentoh Janiver – Soil scientist and agricultural engineer
- Mr. Bongkiyoung Manet – Agricultural engineer and water systems management expert
- Mr Signing Nguena Emile — Practicing Agripreneur for over 22 years
Their feedback and comments not only validates student work but also sharpens their perspectives for academic and professional growth.
3. Rewarding Excellence with Seeds of the Future
To recognize discipline and outstanding performance, we award the “Seed Prize” a symbolic yet powerful gift. Interns receive high-value seeds such as soursop, papaya, lettuce, carrot, and moringa, across socio-economic, ecological, medicinal, and horticultural categories.
These seeds, worth between 50,000 – 220,000 FCFA per liter, contain thousands of grains that can start a nursery or farm. Beyond financial value, they are seeds of independence and transformation, enabling students to launch their entrepreneurial journey immediately.
In addition, each intern receives attestations and appraisal forms, formally recognized by their schools for their HND or degree programs.
4. Growing Africa’s Next Generation of Climate-Smart Agripreneurs
– Every internship evaluation at STONEFARMS is more than a closing ceremony , it is a launchpad for Cameroon and Africa’s next generation of agripreneurs, climate advocates, and community leaders.
– We take pride in blending hands-on agricultural skills, climate advocacy, mentorship, and entrepreneurial vision, ensuring every student who passes through STONEFARMS leaves with the confidence, resilience, and clarity to face the future.
So we don’t just grow plants in our farms and nurseries, we grow people, resilience, and climate-smart futures for Cameroon and Africa.
By STONEFARMS’ Communication and Human Resource Department.