Over 500 women and youth equipped to sustain coffee farming in the North West Region
As 2024 drew to a close, the North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable coffee production by empowering over 500 women and young farmers to take the lead in managing family farms. Through a two-day workshop held from 18th to 19th December at the NWCA Head Office, 50 participants were trained to become future trainers, ensuring that coffee farming continues despite the ongoing socio-political crisis in the North West Region of Cameroon.
Jointly sponsored by the International Co-operative Agricultural Organisation (ICAO) and NWCA Ltd, the workshop focused on building the capacity of smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth. Discussions centred on improved production techniques, climate change mitigation strategies, gender inclusion, and leadership. Participants also worked on developing an enhanced training manual to guide coffee farmers in overcoming current challenges and increasing productivity.
NWCA's General Manager, Waindim Timothy Ntam, emphasised the importance of equipping women and young people with the necessary skills and knowledge to sustain coffee production.
“In many communities, men have been forced to flee due to the crisis, leaving farms unattended. The responsibility now rests on women and young farmers to ensure that coffee farming does not collapse. This training is a step towards securing their independence, strengthening their leadership, and guaranteeing the survival of our coffee industry,” he stated.
The workshop also extended support to 25 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from coffee-farming households, providing them with opportunities to engage in coffee processing and commercialisation.
According to Waindim Timothy, these efforts are not just about farming but about securing livelihoods.
"Coffee is more than a crop; it is a lifeline for thousands for over 35000 families. By empowering these women and young farmers, we are building resilience in our communities and ensuring that the coffee industry in the North West does not just survive but thrives," he added.
This initiative was a direct outcome of the ICAO/NCAF Secondment Programme, which Waindim Timothy participated in from November 2023 to February 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. The programme provided valuable insights into cooperative-driven agricultural development, which NWCA is now applying to the North West Region. The training has laid the foundation for a ripple effect, as the newly trained farmers will go on to train and support others, ensuring that knowledge is passed on and put into practice.
With this initiative, NWCA Ltd continues to demonstrate its leadership in fostering sustainable coffee production, proving that even in times of crisis, empowerment and innovation can drive lasting change.