The Steering Committee of the Rice Value Chain Project has approved a budget of 15.14 billion for 2025.
The budget was adopted Friday 17th January 2025 at the Ayaba Hotel as the steering committee met for its fourth session.
Recommendations such as to hasten the recruitment of a contractor and commence work on the construction project Management Unit, which should be completed by the 2nd quarter of the year 2025 was adopted.
To lobby to get OPEC funds on board for the commencement of activities in the West Region were also adopted.
Steering Committee in session
Chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbaïrobe, he applauded the significant strides that have been made to advance the project:
"We have also made significant strides, in the areas of infrastructural development as we have already identified the potential sites for the construction of some social infrastructure, while we are almost concluding the process of recruiting the design and supervision consultant for the construction of the PMU building in Bamenda, for which we intend to lay the foundation stone in the not too distant future." The Minister said.
Launched on the 22nd November 2024 in Santchou, the Rice Value Chain Project seeks to remove constraints in the rice value chain from the production of seeds to the table.
The venture aims at deploying complementary interventions that increase rice production and productivity with a clear focus on small holder farmers in the North West, West and Far North Regions.
Jointly sponsored by the Islamic Development Bank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, OPEC Funds and the government of Cameroon, the project is placed under the tutelage of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Creation of the North West Rice Farmers Cooperative Association, NOWERICA
President, Vice President of NOWERICA handing a gift to the Minister
To ensure that the farmers are at the same level of information, the North West Rice Cooperative Association, NOWERICA was created.
On the 12th July 2024, its pioneer Members of the Board of Directors and supervisory Board were elected at the Pastoral Center in Bamenda I subdivision.
Minister Gabriel Mbaïrobe called on the Board members to guide the association to achieve its objectives.
"The pioneer Board of Directors will be responsible for the strategic direction and governance of the cooperative over the next three years, renewable once. The Board is entrusted with the duty of ensuring that the cooperative operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of our rice farmers. Your leadership will shape the vision and policies that guide our cooperative, ensuring that it remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for all its members. You are expected to manage NOWERICA with the vision of the Agricultural sector in Cameroon as a whole, and the Rice Value Chain Development Project in particular, which is to ensure food security and sustenance through best practices. As you navigate the complexities of governance, I urge you to prioritize collaboration, inclusivity, and innovation in your approach." The Minister said.
Ndzerem Methodius- President, right
Chesi Miriam, VP, Middle
The members of the Board of Directors are drawn from the seven production Zones of the North West and is headed by Ndzerem Methodius as President, Lum epse Chesi Mirian as Vice President. The BOD is made up of 10 members.
Three members were equally installed into the supervisory Board led by Tifuchu Cosmas as President.
The members of the Board and Supervisory Board have a three year mandate, renewable.
To help manage the North West Rice Cooperative Association, four management staff were installed.
General Manager – MBONY Wilson KHEN, Senior Agricultural Officer
Administrative & Finance Officer – MBUNGAI Joseph BONGMBA, Accountant
Manager, Technical Department – ZUMBI Simon FONGUH, Senior Agricultural Engineer/Irrigation Specialist
Manager, Input Supply – NGEH Mary NSAM, Senior Agricultural Officer.
The Rice Value Chain Development Project is part of a 10 country Regional Rice Value Chain Project in sub-Saharan Africa and will run for a period of five years.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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