As concerns about food security deepen in the North West Region, particularly during ongoing conflict, initiatives to bolster agricultural production have become more critical than ever. Farmers in Bamenda III Municipality continue to play a vital role in addressing these challenges, despite limited resources and difficult conditions. It is against this backdrop that the Bamenda III Council successfully hosted the Agro-Pastoral Show on Tuesday, 12 December 2024, at the council premises, bringing together over 120 exhibitors from the Nkwen, Ndzah, and Ntasen Agricultural Pole areas.
This year's show was marked by a colourful display of locally produced food items, organic products, livestock, and processed foods, affirming Bamenda III’s rich agricultural potential. Exhibitors, including smallholder farmers and agro-producers, use the show to share best practices and techniques.
Speaking during the event, the Sub-Divisional Delegate of Agriculture encouraged farmers to use the Agro-Pastoral Show as a platform to showcase their products and embrace innovative techniques from peers to improve productivity.
The Mayor of Bamenda III, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, applauded the farmers and exhibitors for honouring the council's call to participate in the show. He described the event as a celebration of hard work by farmers who are the backbone of the municipality’s economy.
“Your efforts are the reason we have such vibrancy in our agricultural sector. The council remains steadfast in supporting you through initiatives like this,” Mayor Fongu assured.
Farmers who attended the event were visibly pleased, commending the council for its commitment to their growth. They celebrated the prizes distributed, which included essential tools such as grinding mills, oil press machines, stretching machines, fertilisers, organic manure, spades, wheelbarrows, hoes, and gallons. Notably, the council had earlier in the year made donations to farmers to support production.
The Divisional Officer (DO), Ayuni Austin Sakah, praised the Bamenda III Council’s continued efforts to promote agriculture, lauding the hardworking farmers for their contribution to food security.
“The government stands with councils like this to ensure food sufficiency for all Cameroonians. Your commitment will continue to be supported,” he stated.
The Bamenda III Agro-Pastoral Show, which has been held consistently for over the years under the leadership of Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe, is fast becoming a signature event, cementing the council’s role in promoting agricultural development.
Bamenda III, blessed with fertile lands and industrious farmers. From fertile vegetable farms to well-reared livestock, the municipality continues to demonstrate its capacity to contribute meaningfully to food security and economic empowerment.
With continued support, farmers are optimistic that they will overcome challenges, increase productivity, and make Bamenda III a model agricultural hub.
“This show gives us hope and reminds us that agriculture remains the future. We are grateful to the council for recognising our efforts and empowering us to do more.” one of the farmers said
By Asheri Loveline
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