From poacher to cocoa farmer

The biodiversity of the Dja reserve in Cameroon has always made it one of the richest forest blocks in the region. From the 1980s onwards, however, falling prices for agricultural produce led local communities to turn to poaching. As a result, many species have virtually disappeared from the reserve.

Élysée is one of the inhabitants born during this difficult period. Growing up, he had no choice but to turn to poaching to support his family. Years later, he decided to give up this activity and, with the help of a local organisation, turned to cocoa production.

His brother Destin, meanwhile, continues the practice despite the risks of being arrested or injured.

In these remote regions, poverty and unemployment are the seeds of poaching.