From Teacher to Farmer: Léon Sohoto’s Journey to Organic ​Farming Success

Léon Sohoto, a‌ retired ⁣teacher turned farmer, has found success in organic farming on his farm “La Gelée Royale” in‌ Ouinhi.⁣ Despite facing climatic challenges, he has managed to effectively manage ⁢his​ farm with⁤ various crops, thanks to funding obtained from the ‌National ⁣Fund for Agricultural Development (FNDA).

A Passion⁤ for Agriculture

Born to peasant parents and raised in a rural working environment, Léon Sohoto learned the ins and outs of agricultural entrepreneurship from a young age. After leaving the classroom, Léon, the former teacher, returned to the fields and ‍launched his farm “La Gelée Royale” about fifteen years ago.

A Model ⁢of Diversification and Agricultural Success

Today, the farm to which he has devoted himself entirely since 2019‌ is a⁢ model of diversification and agricultural success. On this farm, which extends over about 6 hectares, we find citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines), corn, beans, sweet potatoes, cassava, ‍and peanuts. The former teacher ‍is also a poultry farmer⁤ and pig breeder. He also has ‍oil palm trees on ​his farm as well as timber trees such as acacia‍ and teak.

Overcoming Challenges ‍with FNDA Support

Léon’s orange groves produce ‌enough ⁢fruit ‍to sell during the Muslim Lent period or in markets. However, he was affected by climate change, which ⁢affected his ⁣produce. This is what pushed him to‍ seek help from the National Fund for Agricultural Development (FNDA), which played a crucial role​ in the development of his farm.

The FNDA played a vital role in facilitating access to credit for Léon. At the beginning, he faced interest rates ranging from‌ 19% to 24%, and he was able to‍ benefit ‌from a ⁤rate reduced to 12% thanks to the FNDA’s support mechanisms. With this improved credit, Léon is currently only paying 2% interest, with the FNDA covering the difference.

Organic Farming and Sustainability

Léon Sohoto is committed to organic farming ⁤and sustainability. He uses organic ‍fertilizers to fertilize his‍ crops and has‍ combined agriculture with livestock breeding to collect natural fertilizer from his cows. He also uses ​organic insecticides to fight against insects attacking his orange grove.

Léon Sohoto’s story is​ a testament to the success of organic farming and ⁢the importance ​of support mechanisms ⁢like the FNDA. His commitment to sustainability‌ and his passion for agriculture are‌ an inspiration to others, and his farm is a model for agricultural development in‍ the region.