Hope for a Better Future equips North-West farmers with climate-smart potato skills

Hope for a Better Future (H4BF) has completed a start up training on climate smart potato production for 32 members of the Awing United Friends Farming Simplified Cooperative Society Ltd. The programme, held from 16 to 21 May 2025, combined classroom instruction in Bamenda with field practice in Santa and Awing.

During demonstration

The training was organised under the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PADESCE), funded by the World Bank and implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training (MINEFOP).

In the North West highlands, potatoes remain a key food and cash crop for thousands of farming households. Yet many producers still rely on traditional techniques that often result in inconsistent yields and heavy losses from pests and diseases. Combined with the impact of insecurity, disrupted markets and climate variability, these challenges have placed growing pressure on rural incomes and food security.

H4BF designed the programme to address those challenges by strengthening practical skills that farmers can apply immediately on their fields. Participants were trained on the entire potato production cycle, from land preparation and seed selection to climate resilient crop management.

During theoretical sessions

Theoretical sessions were hosted at the Pastoral Centre in Up Station Bamenda while field demonstrations were conducted at the H4BF demonstration farm in Banche, Santa, and on cooperative farmland in Awing. Organisers said the structure allowed participants to link classroom learning directly to farm practice.

During the training, farmers received instruction on soil preparation and ridging, proper spacing and planting techniques, weed control, mulching and crop care. Particular attention was given to integrated pest and disease management and climate smart practices aimed at improving soil health and reducing production risks.

Participants also practised pest scouting, ridge formation and field hygiene on demonstration plots under the supervision of agricultural trainers.

Practical session 

All 32 participants, including 10 women, completed the training. According to the organisers, 28 trainees met the core practical competency requirements while four were identified for follow up coaching to strengthen skills in spacing, pest monitoring and record keeping.

For many participants, the hands on approach made a significant difference. One farmer said the training helped them understand how correct spacing and early pest monitoring can improve harvests. Another noted that the practical demonstrations made it easier to apply the techniques on their farms and share them with other farmers in the community.

The programme ended with a certificate award ceremony attended by the Regional Delegate of MINEFOP alongside representatives of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, a representative of the Fon of Awing and a representative of the Divisional Officer for Bamenda I.

Trainees receive end of training certificates 

H4BF has proposed follow up field coaching visits during the next planting cycle to help farmers apply the techniques in real production conditions. The organisation also plans to support access to improved seed potatoes, establish a cooperative demonstration plot and introduce simple farm record keeping systems to track inputs, pests and yields.

Hope for a Better Future says it will continue working with farmers and cooperatives to improve food security and livelihoods across vulnerable communities in Cameroon, using practical training and locally adapted solutions to build resilience in the agricultural sector.

By Ngala Ethel For Hilltopvoices Web

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