The General Manager of North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd has successfully concluded a secondment program in Seoul, South Korea, facilitated by the International Cooperative Agricultural Organization (ICAO) and the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation (NACF).
After the program which went from November 17, 2023, to February 17, 2024, the General Manager returned to his office, greeted by a warm reception from his colleagues led by Ngangwa Matthew, the Administrator of NWCA Ltd in the presence of Ndikwa Peter Bayo President of the Association.
The staff welcomed their leader with flower bouquets, warm handshakes, and embraces, reflecting their appreciation for his dedication and the anticipation of his return.
The General Manager expressed gratitude for the welcome, stating, "I am very surprised by the warm welcome given to me by my collaborators. This is so comforting after such a long stay marked by intensive work. I truly feel at home."
Restitution of the ICAO/NACF Secondment Program
On April 4 and 5, the General Manager, restituted the secondment program to the members of the Board of Directors and the general assembly of NWCA Ltd respectively. During the restitution, members expressed gratitude to the General Manager for his efforts to seek valuable information that can enhance the operations of NWCA Ltd
Describing him as a "hunting dog" for the organization, they acknowledged his efforts in ensuring the success of the program. The Supervisory Board and General Assembly used the restitutions to express gratitude to ICAO and NACF for accompanying and supporting the General Manager, Waindim Timothy Ntam during his stay in South Korea.
Enter the Secondment Program
During the secondment program, Timothy Waindim Ntam delved into learning advanced agricultural practices, exploring collaborative projects, studying cooperative movements, and supporting the ICAO Secretariat.
Immersed in the vibrant cooperative environment of the NACF, he gleaned invaluable insights into successful multipurpose cooperative movements, including adaptability, innovative marketing approaches, robust credit facilities, staff motivation, member engagement, technology adoption, and collaboration strategies.
Plan of Action
Inspired by his experiences, the General Manager has crafted an action plan for NWCA Ltd's productivity enhancement spanning from 2024 to 2026. This comprehensive plan encompasses initiatives such as establishing a member-owned credit facility, diversifying marketing channels, promoting sustainable farming practices, fostering partnerships and joint ventures, implementing training programs for cooperatives, restructuring NWCA Ltd based on the NACF model, and creating value chains for economic growth.
With a proactive approach aimed at empowering farmers, particularly in Cameroon, the action plan seeks to combine training programs with market expansion to enhance income and socio-economic development. The success of these initiatives will be gauged not only by quantitative measures but also by the tangible stories of empowerment and transformation shared by the farmers involved.
The completion of the secondment program signifies a significant milestone for NWCA Ltd as it embarks on a journey towards sustainable growth and community development, guided by the invaluable lessons learned during the GM's stay in Seoul.
By Bakah Derick
Email: debakah2004@yahoo.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77