North West: PULCCA, MIDEPECAM distribute fishing equipment to combat food insecurity.

This is as part of efforts to address food insecurity caused by the prolonged armed conflict. The handover ceremony took place on Tuesday December 30, 2025, in Bamenda, at the esplanade of the North West Livestock Development Fund, CDENO. 

The event was chaired by Ignatius Ekale, Representative of the Governor of the North West Region, who also serves as Inspector General at the Governor’s Office.

A total of 300 beneficiaries drawn from fishing communities including Bambalang, Bangolan, Bafanji and neighbouring localities received complete small-scale fishing kits. 

The support package includes solid wood dugout canoes measuring six metres in length, manufactured locally in Cameroon, as well as fishing nets, life jackets, raincoats, head torches, floats and ropes. 

Fishermen urged to double productivity 

Speaking during the event, Ignatius Ekale, the representative of the Governor, called on the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, and provide quality fish to the population and also provide income for their families.

“We believe that with better tools, you will increase productivity, increase your income and enhance the quality of life in your households. I urge you to use these equipment responsibly, protect our marine resources and ensure sustainability for the future generations,” he said. 

The authority noted that the donation does not only serve as job creation, but will also assist the fishermen to be community developers. Ekale also said the initiative is part of government’s commitment to stand by the population, especially those in the communities.

“Make sure that our local markets are flooded with fish. Traditional rulers should also support these fishermen to make sure that they provide the best quality of fish,” Ekale said.

According to project officials, the initiative is expected to reach even more fishermen in subsequent phases.

Speaking at the ceremony, representatives of MIDEPECAM explained that the intervention forms part of an emergency response to the food crisis affecting several regions of the country. 

The project also aims to promote modern and safer fishing practices while helping fish farmers recover lost income resulting from years of socio-political instability.

Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the support, describing it as timely and hope-restoring for a sector that has suffered significant setbacks. 

Many of the beneficiaries noted that access to proper equipment will improve productivity, safety on water bodies and household food supply.

“I thank all those who have ensured that we receive these equipment today. We were facing the issue of canoes because most of us were using locally made canoes. With these new ones, I can say that it will really help us,” a beneficiary said.

MIDEPECAM, a public industrial and commercial establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, MINEPIA, is implementing the project with technical and financial backing from PULCCA. The Emergency Project to Combat the Food Crisis is financed through World Bank funds.

The distribution in Bamenda follows similar exercises earlier carried out in Bertoua in the East region, Ngaoundéré in the Adamawa region and Maroua in the Far North. 

PULCCA has as goals to strengthen economic, climate and community resilience while mitigating food and nutrition insecurity in both the short and medium term in these conflict-affected regions.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3664 of Monday January 05, 2025