In the face of prolonged insecurity, economic stagnation, and food system fragility, the North West Region of Cameroon is banking on two major agricultural projects; the Emergency Project to Combat Food Crisis in Cameroon (PULCCA) and Rice Value Chain Development Project to reset its development trajectory. Meeting in Bamenda on Thursday 12 June 2025 for the 59th Board of Directors meeting of the North West Development Authority (MIDENO), members of the Board, chaired by Governor Lele Lafrique Tchoffo Deben Adolphe, reviewed critical interventions and reaffirmed MIDENO’s role in lifting communities through targeted, inclusive development actions.
“The Rice Value Chain Development Project will surely turn the North West into a development Eldorado with well-managed implementation,” Governor Lele Lafrique said, signalling strong Board support for the agricultural transformation agenda.
The North West Region has faced uncommon developmental setbacks due to insecurity, poor infrastructure, and displacement. These challenges have crippled farming which is traditionally the economic backbone of the region and disrupted access to food and markets.
To address this, MIDENO’s Board and Management are placing agriculture at the centre of recovery efforts, with particular emphasis on the PULCCA and Rice Value Chain projects.
PULCCA is a World Bank-supported emergency response initiative launched in 2024. The project aims to boost food security through improved seed distribution, climate-smart farming, equipment support, and community resilience, especially targeting displaced persons, women, and vulnerable farmers.
During the Board meeting, the Chairman acknowledged that while PULCCA has already impacted thousands, more effort is needed.
“Management should expedite action on 2025 PULCCA activities which are below 5% realisation in order to ensure that all planned and budgeted activities are realised before the expiry of the project.” The board directed
Parallel to PULCCA is the Rice Value Chain Development Project, designed to reduce rice import dependence and establish structured, value-based production from farms to markets. Already, rice cooperatives and rural farmers across the region have received equipment and training aimed at improving both yields and livelihoods.
Governor Lele Lafrique described the initiative as a potential game-changer in turning agricultural challenges into development opportunities.
The Board adopted key resolutions aimed at improving governance and delivery amongst which were; Implementation of gender budgeting to ensure equity in project benefits and clear distinction in reporting between core MIDENO activities and those supported by external projects like PULCCA and the Rice initiative.
The Board also approved the 2024 Administrative and Management Accounts and the 2025 first-semester Progress Report.
The Board expressed satisfaction with the management team led by General Manager Cletus Anye Matoya, praising their engagement amidst the region’s fragile socio-political climate.
“The Board is proud of its Management,” the Chairman stated, recognising efforts made to deliver results despite difficult conditions.
MIDENO’s 2025 strategic focus spans four key programmes: increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing food security, improving infrastructure and governance, and providing institutional support for rural development.
According to the board of directors, the region’s path to sustainable recovery lies in fully realising the promise of PULCCA and the Rice Value Chain projects. These initiatives offer food security, jobs, income, and a foundation for long-term peace and prosperity. The success of these flagship projects, however, will depend on prompt implementation, local participation, and continued oversight by both Board and government stakeholders.
By Bakah Derick
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