By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, (MINADER) Gabriel Mbairobe, has launched the Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP) aimed at revitalizing Cameroon’s rice industry.
Minister Mbairobe launched the project on October 22 in Santchou, West Region of Cameroon. He was accompanied by the Governors of the West Region, Augustine Awa Fonka, and the Northwest Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, and other dignitaries.
During the event, Minister Mbairobe stressed the project’s significance as a lifeline for the people of Santchou and other communities.
“This project will provide farmers with the necessary resources, training, infrastructure, and support to revive and improve rice farming, boosting local economies and improving livelihoods,” he said. “The aim is not only to increase production but also to create jobs and enhance food security in our communities.”
Regarding the choice of Santchou for the launch, the Minister noted its rich history of rice cultivation. He however noted that many farmers have abandoned their rice farms in recent decades.
“With this project, we intend to revive this essential farming practice, bring the land back to life, and give hope to our farmers,” he said. “Santchou’s geographical location is also advantageous for the flow of agricultural products, particularly rice, to major urban centers like Douala and Bafoussam.”
Minister Mbairobe stated that the RVCDP aligns perfectly with President Paul Biya’s vision for Cameroon as outlined in the National Development Strategy 2030. The vision aims to achieve food sufficiency for all citizens and boost import substitution by 2035.
By reviving rice production in Santchou and increasing production nationwide, the Minister said, government is contributing to a national objective of ensuring every Cameroonian has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.
“The RVCDP supports our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, particularly those on ending poverty, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” he said.
The Minister reminded farmers of their crucial role in the project’s success. He emphasized their collaboration as essential for implementing the relevant strategies.
“Together, we can transform the rice sub-sector and once again make Santchou and Cameroon a leading rice-producing region in the Central African Sub-Region and beyond,” he indicated.
The project coordinator, George Muluh Nguh, praised the RVCDP as a concrete step towards increasing productivity. He presented the project and urged everyone to work towards its realization. Other speakers thanked the government and partners for their support.
The RVCDP is part of a 10-country regional rice value chain project announced by the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) as a response from ten member countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The project seeks to address constraints in the rice value chain, from seed production to the table. It aims to implement complementary interventions that increase rice production and productivity, with a clear focus on smallholder farmers in the North-West, West, and Far-North Regions of Cameroon.
The RVCDP is jointly sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund, and the Government of Cameroon. Placed under the tutelage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER), the project will run for a period of five years.
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