For years, farmers in the conflict-hit North West Region of Cameroon have battled numerous challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns and climate change to the persistent insecurity that has disrupted livelihoods. Yet, despite these hurdles, they continue to cultivate their farms, ensuring that food reaches both their households and the local markets.
Offials at the launching
Their tenacity has been bolstered by the regular support of the North West Development Authority (MIDENO), which consistently provides improved seeds, training, and essential farming equipment. This year’s farming season launch, held on Wednesday, 12 March 2025, at MIDENO’s premises, was not only a continuation of that tradition but an expanded effort made possible through the Cameroon Emergency Food Crisis Combat Project (PULCCA).
Under the auspices of the Governor of the North West Region, Lele Lafrique Adolphe Tchoffo Deben, who also serves as the Board Chairman of MIDENO, the event was marked by the distribution of critical farm inputs and equipment to vulnerable farmers. The objective was clear: ensure food security, boost agricultural productivity, and empower farmers with the necessary tools to increase their yields.
Addressing the attendees, MIDENO’s General Manager, Cletus Anye Matoya, highlighted the progress made during the 2024 farming season, attributing the success to the close collaboration between MIDENO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER).
“We work alongside MINADER in all 34 sub-divisions of the region. We are using the MINADER staff, the sub-delegates, and the chiefs of post. They train the farmers, they supervise and aid them to do the planting. We worked with them last year and the produce stepped up. We are very hopeful that this time around, the production will continue to step up,” he stated.
With a focus on sustainability, the distribution targets 6,500 farmers, an increase from the 6,000 who benefited last year. The inputs included seeds and seedlings such as cassava cuttings, improved maize seeds, beans, rice, and high-yield vegetable seeds. To enhance soil fertility and ensure climate-smart agriculture, organic fertilizers were prioritised, with MIDENO ensuring that 99% of fertilizers distributed were environmentally friendly options like Fertiplus and EM-compost. Farmers also received small-scale agricultural tools to aid in both production and post-harvest handling.
A major component of the launch was the presentation by Ndeh Emmanuel Eschew, Director of the Technical Department and PULCCA focal point at MIDENO, who outlined the selection modalities for beneficiary farmers. The process, he explained, was designed to prioritise the most vulnerable members of the farming community. Beneficiaries included female-headed households, elderly-headed households, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and households with pregnant women, young children, or persons living with disabilities. The selection was data-driven, ensuring transparency through the use of digital tools.
Governor Lele Lafrique Adolphe Tchoffo Deben reaffirmed the government’s commitment to food security and economic stability through agriculture. He called on farmers to embrace improved farming methods and work closely with local authorities to promote peace within their communities.
"We expect farmers to boost their production and supply the markets with enough food to combat food insecurity in this crisis-affected region. Significant progress has been made in terms of security, and I take this opportunity to urge them, as they return to their communities alongside traditional rulers and other stakeholders, not only to work hard but also to play an active role in promoting peace," he emphasised
The launch also featured a technical presentation by Chugong Divine from MINADER, who elaborated on agricultural innovations and climate-resilient practices. These strategies are increasingly critical as farmers navigate unpredictable weather conditions and soil degradation. The emphasis on sustainable farming was echoed by farmers' representatives, including Ndencho Constance of a local farmers’ cooperative. She expressed gratitude for the support received but also highlighted the need for more organic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility.
While this event marked the official launch, it was only the beginning of a season-long engagement between farmers and agricultural stakeholders. Farmers are expected to utilise the distributed inputs effectively, participate in capacity-building workshops, and collaborate with trainers and supervisors for follow-up assessments. MIDENO has assured that mechanisms will be put in place to monitor the use of inputs, ensuring that they translate into improved yields and a more resilient agricultural sector.
Funded by the World Bank, the PULCCA initiative is more than just an emergency response; it is a strategic investment in the future of North West farmers. By providing access to quality inputs, technical training, and post-harvest support, the project aims to equip farmers with the resources they need to thrive despite the challenges they face.
As Governor Lele Lafrique symbolically planted a crop to launch the farming season, the hope remains that the seeds sown today will yield a bountiful harvest, not just in terms of crops but in the livelihoods and well-being of the farmers who sustain the region.
Report by Bakah Derick
Photo credits: Tatan Patience (The Safeguard)
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77