To boost agricultural output: UN, presidential reconstruction plan donate inputs, tools to 100 farmers.

This was in the presence of Dr Leslie Ngwa, a social Cohesion expert at the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP Recovery Programme.

The Mayor of Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus, other personalities and the beneficiaries, also attended the event. 

The project is under the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions, PPRD-NW/SW. Funded by the government of Cameroon and the Islamic Development Bank, the project is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, UNDP.

During the occasion, the beneficiaries including crop and livestock farmers received items like sprayers, water pumps, water tanks, grinding mill for grains, feed grinder, electric motor, plastic drinkers, motorized cassava grater, garri fryng pans, aluminum roofing sheets amongst others.

The objectives of the project, it was disclosed, is to improve the economic stability of farming households by enabling them to resume and sustain agricultural activities, contribute to the broader goals of the presidential plan by facilitating the recovery and development of the agricultural sector in the North West Region. 

The initiative seeks to promote peace and social stability by addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and reducing tensions related to resource scarcity and others.

While handing over the items to the beneficiaries, the officials told them that they are expecting an increase in crop yield and livestock productivity and the improvement on the livelihoods of the beneficiary farmers and their families.

The donors said the offer will strengthen local food systems and contribute to food security in the Bamenda III municipality.

Beneficiaries promise to be productive 

Upon receiving the items, the beneficiary farmers promised to go back to their farms and double their yields.

According to Nformi Annabelle, a livestock farmer and gardener from Mile 5 Nkwen, she is looking forward to employing others, as soon as she gets back to the farm.

"I am very happy because of the things I have received today from UNDP. I have received a water tank and a grinding machine, which will help me to prepare feed for my chicks. I will make sure I work seriously and have double yield, so that I can also employ those who are around me," she said.

On her part, Ngwa Irene, another lady who cultivates vegetables, says the farm tools will help her to be more productive especially during the dry season when she usually faces difficulties with water. 

"I want to thank UNDP for what they have offered us farmers. I cultivate vegetables which help me to take care of my family and also sponsor my children. I have benefited a sprayer and water pump, which will help me to supply enough water in my garden during the dry season," Ngwa Irene said.

The Anglophone crisis has affected the population especially economically in key sectors such as agriculture and livestock. 

Agricultural production has plummeted by 51% in the North West Region and 39% in the South West Region, with significant drops in the production of essential crops like Arabica Coffee and Cocoyam. 

It is based on this assessment and more that one of the recommendations of the Major National Dialogue - the Reconstruction Plan for the NW and SW Regions materialised through the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development to restore the living conditions of the population in the crisis affected regions.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3210 of Monday August 26, 2024