The 2022 agro pastoral show in the crisis-hit North West region of Cameroon, has given farmers a platform to showcase the best of food and cash crops from the seven divisions that make up the region.
In the North West Region of Cameroon, the population largely depends on subsistence agriculture for livelihoods in a region void of industries. However, economic activities have been stifled due to a socio-political crisis in the two English-speaking regions of the country since 2016.
The few companies that existed have folded up while farmer organisations and common initiative groups that used to boost agricultural production in the region no longer exist due to insecurity.
Estimates from the North West Regional Delegation of Agriculture and Rural Development, indicate that the region experienced a continuous increase in the prices of major staple foods like cereals by 25%, palm oil by 25%, Irish potatoes by 10% in 2022 as compared to previous years.
This has been attributed to the soaring prices of farm inputs by 50%, climatic changes and scarcity in some production basins due to the unrest.
Despite these challenges, the farmers have once more demonstrated that farming is a culture in the region through resilience in spirit and hard work.
During the 2022 agro pastoral show in the region, the best of food and cash crops were showcased by farmers from the seven divisions that make up the region.
The best qualities of maize, Irish potatoes, yams, dairy products, rice from the plains of Ngoketunjia, locally bred fish, the oku white honey, wheat and other cereals and vegetables were conspicuously present.
The Arabica coffee from Boyo Division and cocoa from Bui Division were also on display.
A wheat farmer in Babanki explained that his motivation to expand wheat cultivation in his locality is to meet up with the challenges of the shortage of flour in the market caused by the war in Ukraine. He also intends to promote local production especially with the rich Agricultural potential of the region.
He regretted that the lack of farm inputs and insecurity could likely hamper his efforts.
“If we had water, farm inputs and farm equipment, we could cultivate wheat two times in the dry season given that wheat takes three to four months to mature,” said Singla, who is a farmer.
The farmers transported their produce from the division to the ceremonial ground in Bamenda, capital of the North West Region.
“I took a lot of risk to transport the wheat to Bamenda,” according to Singla.
“I had to hire a motorbike for more 10.000 CFAF from my farm to Sabga and what I would receive from the organizers cannot cover the cost of transportation.”
Another farmer from Njikwa in Momo Division, Claudine Ambo, recounted the difficulties she encountered to participate in the fair.
“I had to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle because most vehicles in the area have broken down due to bad roads,” said farmer, Ambo.
“I paid up to 37000 CFAF to get to Bamenda and most of my yams were broken in the course of transportation and I could not bring all my bags of cocoyams due to the high cost of transportation,” she added.
The North West Governor, Adolf Lele L’Afrique, who was on ground to hand over farm inputs and equipment to the farmers, promised government’s support to improve on farm-to-market roads and to reduce on the cost of farm inputs like fertilizers in order boost food production.
Agriculture remains the backbone of Cameroon’s economy and has employed more than 70% of the country’s workforce. It also contributes to 42%of her gross domestic product (GDP).
Sylvie Bantar
