By Neba Jerome Ambe
The Government of Cameroon has launched the Adaptive Social Safety Nets and Economic Inclusion Project in Bafut Subdivision, a programme expected to provide temporary employment and livelihood support to 1,000 vulnerable households while rehabilitating community infrastructure.
The launch ceremony which took place on Friday July 17, 2026 at the Bafut Fon's Palace brought together administrative authorities, municipal officials, traditional rulers, Religious authorities, technical services and community representatives to discuss how the project will be implemented and, more importantly, how beneficiaries will be identified.
Speaking at the event, the Regional Coordinator of the project for the North West and West Regions, Kanjo Elvis Nfor, said the initiative is being implemented on behalf of the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development with support from the World Bank.
He explained that unlike many social programmes where beneficiaries are selected by external actors, the Safety Net Project will rely on community participation to identify those most in need.
"Our target in Bafut is 1,000 households. We are not the ones who will choose the beneficiaries. The communities themselves know those who are genuinely vulnerable, and that is why we are working with local stakeholders to make the process transparent," he said.
According to Nfor, discussions held with technical stakeholders during the launch meeting helped establish a common understanding of the selection process to minimise complaints and ensure fairness.
To oversee the exercise, a local steering committee will be constituted under the joint leadership of the Divisional Officer and the Mayor of Bafut. The committee will include representatives of relevant government services who will monitor the selection process and address any concerns that may arise.
For the project coordinator, the programme is not only intended to provide short-term financial relief but also to help beneficiaries build sustainable sources of income.
He disclosed that SHUMAS has been recruited as the implementing partner to accompany beneficiaries throughout the project. Besides supervising activities on the ground, the organisation will train participants on income-generating activities and provide them with work tools that they will keep after the programme.
"The objective is that when the project comes to an end, beneficiaries should be able to continue using the knowledge and the equipment they have received to improve their livelihoods," Nfor added.
Under the Labour-Intensive Public Works (THIMO) component, beneficiaries will work for 60 days and receive a daily wage of 1,500 FCFA. Activities will include road rehabilitation, drainage construction, sanitation works, erosion control, environmental protection, reforestation and the rehabilitation of public spaces.
Project officials also stressed that safety measures would be strictly enforced, including the use of protective equipment and a prohibition on alcohol consumption before work begins.
The Divisional Officer of Bafut, Forku Djokem Andelys described the project as timely, noting that the subdivision is gradually recovering from the socio-political crisis that disrupted livelihoods and development activities for several years.
He thanked the Government and the World Bank for selecting Bafut and urged the population to take ownership of the initiative.
"Bafut has suffered a lot because of the crisis. As peace gradually returns, this project comes at the right time. I encourage our people to embrace it because it is meant for their development.
With the support of our traditional authorities and the population, I believe the project will succeed," he said.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence said the Council would play an active role in ensuring that the programme benefits those for whom it was designed.
According to the Mayor, particular attention will be given to poor households, persons living with disabilities and other vulnerable groups across the municipality's 59 villages.
He added that the Council would also ensure that the working tools provided under the project are preserved after implementation so they can continue serving community development activities.
While welcoming the initiative, the Mayor appealed to the Government and its partners to increase the number of beneficiaries in future phases and extend other components of the Adaptive Safety Net Project to Bafut.
Traditional authorities also pledged their support for the initiative. The Fon of Bafut, His Majesty Abumbi II, assured project officials of his commitment to work with the implementation committee to ensure the programme achieves its objectives.
Beyond the wages beneficiaries will earn over the two-month work period, local authorities believe the project could help restore livelihoods in communities affected by years of conflict. By combining paid employment with skills training and support for income-generating activities, the initiative seeks to give vulnerable families an opportunity to rebuild their lives while contributing to the development of their communities.
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