It was a full working day for focal points of the MIDENO PULCCA project this Friday, 27 December 2024, as they gathered in Bamenda to review progress and plan for 2025. Participants from across the North West Region convened to assess achievements, share experiences, and strategise for the next phase of the Emergency Project to Combat Food Crisis in Cameroon (PULCCA).
Statistics presented at the workshop revealed that over 5,000 farmers are now benefiting from the project, engaging in the cultivation of maize, plantains, cassava, solanum potato, and market gardening. These activities form part of a broader effort to strengthen food security and build resilience among vulnerable communities in the region currently experiencing an over eight years old armed conflict.
One of the key highlights was the impact of power tillers, which have significantly boosted productivity. Tanjong Angela and Komando Ernest, focal points for the project, emphasised the important role these tools have played in farming operations.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices, Angela noted that the tillers have made farming more efficient, allowing farmers to prepare larger areas of land in less time. Corroborating, Komando Ernest added that management committees have been set up to ensure fair access to the tillers.
Clestus Anye Matoya, the General Manager of MIDENO, expressed confidence in the project’s ability to enhance livelihoods and ensure food security in the region. He noted that his institution's strategy targets vulnerable farmers, providing them with quality inputs and tools expressing hope that with the impact the PULCCA project is already making there is need for the focal points to sustain the momentum.
Ndeh Emmanuel, MIDENO’s Director of Technical Affairs and the project focal point at MIDENO, used the workshop to remind his collaborators from various subdivisions to strictly adhere to the organisation’s guidelines. He stressed the importance of proper management and maintenance of the equipment, urging all focal points to ensure that farmers have equitable access to the power tillers and other resources.
The PULCCA project it should be noted is a two-year initiative aimed at addressing food insecurity exacerbated by the ongoing armed conflict in the region. With funding of over 4.7 billion francs CFA, the project targets vulnerable communities across several regions, including the North West. In the North West region, MIDENO is responsible for implementing component 2.1, which focuses on providing essential inputs, tools, and training for farmers and agri-food processors.
As disclosed by MIDENO at the workshop, achievements in 2024 include the distribution of improved seeds for cassava, maize, potatoes, plantains, and vegetables to thousands of farmers, with a deliberate focus on supporting women. Farmers have also received training in climate-smart agriculture to help them adapt to the challenges posed by climate change. Efforts have been made to integrate women refugees and internally displaced persons into local organisations to enhance social cohesion.
Participants have expressed their readiness to sustain the achievements of 2024 while aiming for even greater success in the coming year.