By George Etoh Anzah
CDENO boss handing over chicks to beneficiary
In a significant boost to the fight against food insecurity, 560 vulnerable farmers from across the seven divisions of the North West region received 17,340 chicks last Friday as part of the Emergency Project to Combat Food Crisis in Cameroon (PULCCA). This initiative aims to enhance poultry productivity and improve the livelihoods of local citizens.
The distribution included 15,000 three-week-old broilers, 2,340 traditional chicks at laying age, and essential supplies such as 560 bags of complete feed, 1,120 drinkers, and complete poultry houses for each beneficiary. This support is crucial for increasing the quality and availability of chicken in local markets, thereby stabilizing prices and enhancing food security.
The Northwest Livestock Development Fund, under the guidance of MINEPIA, has been tasked with implementing this vital livestock component of PULCCA. The project is set to assist over 3,000 vulnerable livestock farmers across the region by providing them with production kits and training to establish sustainable livelihoods and boost food production.
In addition to poultry farming, the project will extend its support to various agricultural sectors: 300 farmers will receive assistance for broiler production, while another 300 will focus on traditional fowls. Additionally, support will be provided for pig production, small ruminants, honey production, dairy farming, and both aquaculture and floating cage fish farming. Notably, 150 women fishmongers will also benefit from this comprehensive initiative.
To ensure that beneficiaries maximize the potential of their new resources, capacity-building workshops are scheduled. These workshops aim to equip farmers with the skills necessary for effective management of their livestock and production systems. The first training session for today’s beneficiaries took place on August 14th and 15th.
Governor Adolph Lele A. emphasized the urgency of addressing food insecurity in his remarks at the distribution event. “A hungry man is an angry man,” he stated, highlighting the government’s commitment to alleviating suffering among those affected by ongoing crises. He urged beneficiaries to utilize the resources wisely and expressed hope for a return to normalcy and peace in the region.
The Administrative Director of CDENO, Mbah Shupong Michael, echoed these sentiments, encouraging farmers to make the most of the support they received. “The impact of this initiative should be felt throughout your communities,” he said, underscoring the importance of collective progress in overcoming food challenges.
As these vulnerable farmers embark on their journey towards improved livelihoods and food production, the community watches with hope for a brighter future, one where food security is no longer a distant dream but a tangible reality. The donation was preceded by a 2-day training workshop to provide knowledge on proper handling of the birds.
