The North West Development Authority (MIDENO) has attributed its 2024 successes to the commitment of its stakeholders. Speaking during the authority's annual press conference on 4 December 2024, the Director of the Technical Department, Ndeh Emmanuel, emphasised that the institution’s ability to execute critical projects within a challenging socio-political climate is evidence of effective stakeholder engagement. He maintained that without the support and collaboration of various communities and partners, MIDENO’s impact on thousands of grassroots farmers and communities would not have been possible.
Reflecting on the year’s achievements, Ndeh highlighted strides made in the agricultural and infrastructural sectors. Over 1,200 farmers benefitted from improved and modified seeds, alongside inputs for cassava and potato cultivation. Farmers also received power tillers, while young people were encouraged to take an interest in agriculture through climate-smart farming initiatives. The construction of community roads, such as the Mile II, Bamiyam to Ngalim link, was identified as another major project, demonstrating how inclusive planning and collaboration can transform lives in rural communities.
The development of post-harvest infrastructure and the promotion of coffee consumption in the region further demonstrates MIDENO’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity. An ambitious waste management project was launched in partnership with the Nkambe Council, with a pilot facility already under development. Explaining the choice of Nkambe for the pilot phase, Ndeh cited the council’s proactive leadership under Mayor Musa Shey Nfor, noting that starting in an area with existing progress was a strategic move. He acknowledged that Bamenda’s more visible waste management challenges would be addressed in subsequent phases.
To ensure transparency and equitable distribution of resources, MIDENO has established committees at the village and council levels. These committees work to identify the most deserving beneficiaries, ensuring that projects reach those in genuine need. This approach, according to Ndeh, has been central to maintaining trust and achieving the authority’s objectives.
Despite its accomplishments, MIDENO’s leadership acknowledged some challenges it faced in 2024. Director of Administration and Finance, Baweh Ernest Ndi, noted that delays in fund disbursement by the state, particularly in partnership projects with the Ministry of Transport, delayed the realisation of some planned initiatives. He also highlighted the ongoing armed conflict in the region as a major obstacle, affecting operations and limiting the authority’s ability to expand its impact. Nonetheless, Baweh commended the institution’s efforts to address social benefit issues for its staff, describing it as a long-standing concern that requires continuous attention. He praised General Manager Cletus Anye Matoyah for initiating a ten-year plan to clear MIDENO’s debts, describing it as a visionary step towards financial stability.
During his address, the General Manager provided an overall evaluation of the year’s achievements, confirming the insights shared by his collaborators. He reiterated that all projects undertaken by MIDENO are designed to improve the Gross National Happiness of communities in the North West region and beyond. By focusing on grassroots development, the authority seeks to promote not only economic growth but also social cohesion.
For five years, the annual press conference has served as a platform for MIDENO to reflect on its performance and share its vision with the public. According to Ndeh and Baweh, this year’s event once again demonstrated the authority’s commitment to accountability and progress, highlighting how effective stakeholder collaboration can overcome even the most daunting challenges.