Minister Gabriel Mbairobe chairing the 6th Steering Committee Meeting in Bamenda
The Government of Cameroon has reiterated its commitment to boosting agricultural productivity, youth empowerment, and regional reconstruction through the Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP), following the 6th Steering Committee Meeting chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe, in Bamenda.
Speaking during the session, the Minister described the project as a key pillar of government policy under the leadership of President Paul Biya, aimed at increasing rural income, reducing poverty, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the North West and South West Regions.
“This project is in line with the Head of State’s vision to improve livelihoods in rural communities, create income opportunities, and fight poverty,” Minister Mbairobe said. “It works hand in hand with reconstruction efforts through the rehabilitation of schools, health centres, and water infrastructure.”
Some Steering committee members
The Steering Committee adopted a budget of 24 billion francs to fund priority activities for 2026. The investment will support land development and rice production expansion in three key production basins:
- Ndop Valley (Ngoketunjia Division) – North West Region
- Sanchou – West Region
- Magda – Far North Region
The funds will finance the opening of farm-to-market roads, procurement of agricultural inputs, infrastructure rehabilitation, and purchase of modern production equipment.
Muluh Gregory, Coordinator of RVCDP
The Minister emphasized that mechanization remains central to achieving Cameroon’s rice production targets.
“We have a significant production gap to close. The machines donated to NOWERICA will not only support land development but also enable technical teams to carry out effective field operations,” he noted. “We are proud to hand over this equipment to the North West Region.”
The Minister highlighted key progress indicators recorded by the RVCDP, including:
- 10.5 billion francs in contracts signed for swamp rice development
- Execution rate improving from 9.8% to 28.8%
- Disbursement increasing from 2.6% to about 9% over the past year
- Ongoing collaboration with financial partners, with the Saudi Fund expressing interest in co-financing.
External funds have also been allocated for baseline surveys, environmental and social safeguards, and institutional strengthening.
In addition, the establishment of farmer cooperatives and unions has been identified as a sustainable support mechanism for producers. Through project support, 4.5 tons of basic seed have been distributed to 139 seed multipliers, covering 1,200 hectares and targeting an output of 8,000 tons of rice.
The 6th steering committee meeting also saw the award of end of internship attestations to some 15 young professionals while heavy duty equipment was handed to the North West Rice Cooperatives Association (NOWERICA) to the tune of 2.4 billion francs.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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