NWCA improving livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

One of the pivotal achievements under Waindim Timothy Ntam's leadership has been addressing the long-standing debt that plagued NWCA since 1997. 

“The government of Cameroon, through MINADER, intervened and transferred the debt to the National Debt Recovery Agency, providing us with more favorable terms of payment,” Ntam said. 

This move has significantly eased the financial burden on the association, allowing it to focus on growth and development. NWCA’s financial health has also seen a dramatic improvement. 

The association’s internal and external debts, which stood at over FCFA 90 million at the beginning of 2014, have been reduced to about FCFA 8.5 million. This financial prudence has paved the way for timely payments and increased earnings for farmers.

Empowering farmers and enhancing production

NWCA has implemented numerous initiatives to bring cooperatives closer to their members. The strategic rebirth of six area cooperative unions—Belo, Noni, Fundong, Njinikom, Bali, and Ndop—has resulted in increased coffee tonnage from these entities. 

This decentralization according to the General Manager enhanced farmers' access to resources and support, thereby boosting productivity. Over FCFA 346 million has been paid as balances to deserving farmers since 2014, a clear indication of the association's commitment to improving farmers' incomes. 

The introduction of a revolving fund by GP – IRDP has also played a crucial role in enhancing financial stability and farmer loyalty.

Infrastructure & technological advancements

NWCA’s Mile 3 Nkwen Bamenda Head Office has undergone significant rehabilitation, transforming it from an eyesore to a symbol of the association’s renewed vigor.

Technological advancements have been a key focus, with the acquisition and installation of a modern coffee transformation plant and a drip coffee machine, funded by GP – DERUDEP II and NWCA Ltd. 

Waindim Timothy believes that these innovations have enabled the production of Kola Coffee in large quantities, meeting the growing demand for this high-quality product.

Corporate Social Responsibility & community impact

NWCA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is evident in its efforts to give back to the community. 

The association has championed the provision of potable drinking water around its head office and supported over 200 internally displaced persons (IDPs) by offering them temporary jobs as coffee pickers. 

“These initiatives have not only improved our community’s living standards but also strengthened our bond with the people we serve,” Ntam emphasized.

Market expansion & int’l recognition

Despite the ongoing armed conflict in the region, NWCA has continued to expand its market reach. Sales have grown from FCFA 130.6 million in 2013 to nearly FCFA 400 million in 2014, with a peak of FCFA 942 million in 2016. 

In 2023, sales are valued at over 771 million FCFA. The association has also forged relationships with new foreign buyers, including Waltar Mattar in Switzerland, VIATRE Co in South Korea, and INTAFRI Coffee LLC in Japan, ensuring competitive prices for their coffee. 

NWCA’s affiliation with international organizations like the International Cooperative Alliance, International Cooperative Agricultural Organization, African Fine Coffee Association, and Consumer Cooperative Worldwide has opened doors for capacity-building opportunities and global recognition. 

The recent win of the ICAO 10,000 Euros Regional Project is proof of NWCA’s growing influence on the international stage.

Despite these achievements, NWCA's leadership has remained concerned about the reduction in coffee production and supply. 

On Saturday 29 June 2024, the association organized a workshop with key stakeholders and union representatives to reflect on ways to ensure constant production of coffee. 

The essence of the coordination workshop according to NWCA Ltd's President Ndikwa Peter Bayo is "to identify the issues and propose measures to improve coffee collection and enhance the livelihoods of our over 35,000 smallholder peasant farmers." Corroborating, the General Manager notes "Our production continues to decline at an alarming rate." 

With several awards and recognitions received, NWCA Ltd already standing out as the highest and most qualitative Arabica Coffee producer in Cameroon hopes to maintain a leadership position especially in the improvement of the livelihoods of the farmers.

By Bakah Derick

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3166 of Friday July 11, 2024