Coffee production in the North West Region of Cameroon has long faced numerous challenges, including ageing farmers, climate change, low productivity, and market access difficulties. The socio-political crisis in the region has further exacerbated these issues, displacing farmers and disrupting production. With these challenges threatening the sustainability of the coffee sector, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), the International Cooperative Alliance Organisation (ICAO), and the North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd have decided to take action by engaging more women and youth in coffee farming.
Demonstration coffee farm by NWCA Ltd
Recognising the need for a new generation of coffee farmers, these organisations collaborated to organise a capacity-building workshop in Bamenda in December 2024 aimed at equipping young people and women with the skills necessary for sustainable coffee production. Their objective was to address gender disparities in agriculture, improve productivity, and enhance market access, thereby securing the future of the coffee industry in the region.
The workshop opened with a session contextualising the socio-political and economic challenges affecting coffee farming. Experts, including NWCA Ltd General Manager, Waindim Timothy Ntam, Consultants Christoph Domgmo and Chick Herman , provided an overview of the region’s coffee sector, emphasising the importance of gender inclusion and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Participants engaged in discussions on the fundamental principles of sustainable coffee farming, including soil conservation, water management, biodiversity protection, and intercropping with short-cycle crops to maximise yield.
A major focus of the workshop was on gender inclusion in coffee production. Facilitators highlighted the barriers women face in farm management and ownership. Group discussions allowed participants to voice their experiences and explore strategies for overcoming these challenges. The workshop also promoted inclusive decision-making in farming households, encouraging women and youth to take leadership roles in cooperative management.
"This workshop is a crucial step in ensuring the future of coffee farming in our region. By engaging women and youth, we are building a more inclusive and resilient coffee sector that will drive economic growth and sustainability." said Waindim Timothy Ntam, General Manager of NWCA Ltd.
The training also delved into advanced farming techniques and innovative approaches to improving productivity. Facilitators such as NWCA Ltd’s Director of Marketing Neng Delphine, Consultant, Mbilifang Godlove and Engineer Godlove Njeshue led practical sessions on selecting high-yield coffee varieties, pruning, pest control, and integrating food crops with coffee farming to enhance household food security. Farmers also received training on coffee processing, storage, and value addition techniques such as roasting, grinding, and packaging to improve market competitiveness.
To ensure the long-term success of participants, sessions on business skills, financial management, and cooperative networking were incorporated. Special attention was given to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were introduced to entrepreneurship opportunities in coffee production and marketing. The training concluded with the development of individual and cooperative action plans to implement the acquired knowledge within local communities.
"We expect this training to spark a real transformation in the coffee sector. With the skills and knowledge gained, participants are now better equipped to increase productivity, improve quality, and access better markets. Our hope is to see more young people and women taking leading roles in coffee farming." stated Bayo Peter, President of the NWCA Ltd Board of Directors
As the workshop ended, an evaluation session allowed participants to reflect on their learning experiences. Many expressed their gratitude, noting that the training had not only provided practical skills but had also instilled confidence in them to engage in coffee farming as a viable livelihood.
Organisers including the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development who attended the workshop, reaffirmed their readiness to supporting sustainable coffee production and promoting an inclusive agricultural sector. By empowering women and youth, this initiative aims to revitalise the coffee industry in the North West Region, ensuring its sustainability for future generations.
The impact of the workshop extends across the North West Region, reaching the over 35,000 peasant farmers who form the backbone of NWCA Ltd. With area cooperative unions in Awing, Bali, Bamenda, Belo, Donga Mantung, Fundong, Momo, Ndop, Njinikom, Noni, Nso, Oku, and Santa-Pinyin, the training’s lessons on sustainable farming, gender inclusion, and value addition are set to ripple through the region.
Participants, many of whom represent these cooperatives, are expected to share their newfound knowledge with fellow farmers, to promote innovation and improved productivity across the coffee sector. By strengthening local cooperative structures, the workshop has laid a foundation for a more resilient and inclusive coffee industry, ensuring that women and youth take on greater leadership roles in production, marketing, and decision-making.
By Bakah Derick
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com