As food security dominates the global stage today, positioning local competence to shoulder an imminent crisis is being envisioned.
In this regard, Board members of North West Development Authority, MIDENO meeting during 2021 Administrative and Management Accounts, Friday 8 July 2022 authorized the management of MIDENO to consider investing in wheat production in the region this year.
Aware of the role of the regional development authority for the North West region in championing the course of development at grassroots level, its Board members have tasked management to begin tangible field work to step up local production of wheat. “The Board encourages MIDENO to venture into the production of wheat,” Governor Lele Lafrique, Board Chair told the press.
With the current food shocks faced across the globe, flour produced from wheat is one of the most affected, yet most consumed products in Cameroon and beyond, tilting the compass to local production is restoration of hope to sail through the tough days.
The region which is agriculturally blessed has proved wheat can be produced in Oku in Bui Division, Boyo and Kedjom-Ketinguh in Tubah Subdivision where locals have been producing wheat for local consumption. In Boyo, the Kom people use this rather rare raw material to prepare “fufu”, others in Tubah use same to prepare wheat and beans stew for their enjoyment as they barely come in touch with buyers of the raw material.
Leveraging on such potentials MIDENO is tasked, would not only valorise productivity of these local farmers but would trigger the processing sector to add value to wheat for multiple finished and semi-finished products, thus limit reliance on import which is now an overburden on government.
Board members lauded the initiative by Management to partner with the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in the area of encouraging coffee production in the region; another sector which can boost income of farmers.
Created in 1981, MIDENO has the mission to coordinate, supervise and support rural development in the North West Region. The institution has the responsibility to meet the needs of the over 80% of the population involved in agriculture.
WIFAH J. NDE
