West Region: Eight cooperatives in Noun receive tractors, processing units from gov’t.

The initiative aims to boost agricultural output, improve productivity and strengthen local value chains through cooperative-led management of assets previously overseen by the State.

Under the agreements, the cooperatives receive modern and durable facilities designed to support large-scale farming and processing. These include pools of mechanised equipment, notably 12 tractors rated at 92 horsepower, industrial production units, hydro-agricultural schemes, 214 hectares of developed lowlands, post-harvest processing units, commercial cooperative centres, IT equipment, a generator and dedicated financing lines to support production. The project also delivered social infrastructure such as school blocks, health centres, boreholes, rural roads and related works across nine subdivisions of the Noun division.

The beneficiary cooperatives are active across key agricultural value chains. These include maize production in Kouoptamo, Magba and Njimom. Market gardening in Foumbot, cassava in Massangam, rice in Bangourain and Koutaba, as well as oil palm in Malantouen. The assets are intended to facilitate local processing, reduce post-harvest losses and improve access to markets for farming communities.

Minister Mbairobe urges accountability

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Agriculture Minister, Gabriel Mbairobe, said the transfer marked a decisive step in decentralising productive investments.

“The cooperatives have demonstrated their capacity to take over from the State… While it is true that this handover gives you responsibility for managing these infrastructures, you must always bear in mind that they are above all social assets and the property of the State,” the minister said.

While urging managers to ensure transparent use and accountability, Minister Mbairobe explained that the Noun division holds a strategic position in Cameroon’s Rural Sector Development Strategy, as it is a major agricultural production hub. He added that the retrocession aligns with the project’s objective of improving living conditions through higher production, increased agricultural productivity and greater value addition, while expanding access to socio-economic services.

Local partners welcome move

The Executive Director of the Nguon Foundation, Dr Fatimatou Poumie, said the agreement reflected state confidence in local actors.

“This initiative fits into the dynamics of our programmes aimed at economic development and visibility of our territory,” she stated, adding that it would ensure the wellbeing of local populations.

On his part, a representative of the cooperatives, Njighait Njayou Moussa said the handover would improve working conditions.

“We now have the possibility to work calmly and boost our production and productivity thanks to the equipment conceded to us,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of microfinance institutions, Maurice Jamston Vougou said, “We will make available a line of credit adapted to their needs,” explaining that financial products would be aligned with agricultural production cycles.

About PDRM 

The Mont Mbappit Rural Development Project is the result of cooperation between Cameroon and the Islamic Development Bank. Launched in January 2017, the project’s productive investments are valued at an estimated FCFA 10 billion. Financial partners involved in the new phase include microfinance institutions such as the Credit Agency for Savings, the General Savings and Credit Finance institution and the Nguon Foundation, which now assumes responsibility for the agricultural products promotion centre built under the project.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3663 of Sunday January 04, 2025