Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence (second from the left), beneficiaries at nursing farm
In the face of conflict and food insecurity, the Bafut Council is charting a new path toward recovery through a bold, inclusive agricultural empowerment project targeting vulnerable populations, including persons with disabilities and those affected by crisis.
The initiative, funded by the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance (FEICOM) and backed by the Hele Kela Foundation, is part of a national call for councils to spearhead local solutions to nutrition and livelihoods. Bafut is one of just three councils in the North West Region selected to pilot this innovative intervention.
At the official launch of the project, Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence outlined the initiative’s long-term vision.
“This is about more than just giving seeds, it’s about restoring self-reliance,” he said. “Our farmers were trained on modern propagation techniques so they can reproduce and share with other groups. The aim is sustainable food sufficiency. Technical teams will ensure compliance with best agronomic practices.”
In its first phase, the project delivered a range of quality agricultural inputs to key farmer groups:
2,148 cassava stems to the Kuku Farming Group in Bawum
800 plantain suckers to the Berlingie and Mankaha groups
350 kg of maize seeds to selected households
Divisional Delegate of Agriculture for Mezam, Abireche Hans Utenogo, confirmed that trained extension workers are deployed in the field for regular follow-up.
“The support system is in place to ensure these inputs translate into results. The objective is a tangible increase in local food supply.”
For Mr. A. Emmanuel, a beneficiary farmer, the project offers both hope and practical impact.
“This came at the right time. Many of us have been struggling to rebuild our farms. The seeds will not only improve our yield but also help us support other groups. We’re now advocating for poultry support to generate manure for organic farming.”
Beyond seed distribution, the initiative focuses on agricultural value chains by providing essential agro-processing equipment, including: a palm oil press, amaize grinding machine, Cassava processing tools and a functional rice mill
These additions aim to reduce post-harvest losses, enhance food processing at the community level, and stimulate small-scale agribusinesses, especially among women and youth.
More than an aid program, the project is a blueprint for resilience, designed to empower, not just assist. It seeks to revive farming as a vehicle for economic empowerment, peacebuilding, and community cohesion in a region still grappling with instability.
As it unfolds, Bafut’s agricultural revival stands as a model of local innovation and inclusive governance, offering replicable lessons for other municipalities in Cameroon and beyond.
By
Neba Jerome Ambe
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