Abstract
This works aim to discuss the contribution of farmers’ organizations to rural development, particularly the case of North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR). This study was carried out from January to November, 2014 in Mezam Division of the North west Region of Cameroon. 100 farmer’s members of NOWEFOR were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and 20 leaders were interviewed using an interview guide. In addition, direct observations were made. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. The findings show that, NOWEFOR plays a vital role in the mobilization of resources from the state and external donors. The amount of external aid increased with time from 868.000 to 216.160.428 FCFA. The contribution of NOWEFOR to the support and reinforcement of certain initiatives of farmers was overall positive as 52% of the beneficiaries had increased income and 55% hired labour for farming. According to the t-test analysis used to determine the contribution of NOWEFOR to members, there is a significant difference between the levels of incomes of beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers. The contribution of NOWEFOR to the provision of inputs to farmers was overall positive as 74% of the beneficiary respondents had agricultural equipment and inputs in their farms. The strengthening of the organisation as a whole was positive, since it permitted NOWEFOR to employ technical staff, boost membership and group marketing, respectively to 9 staff, 2954 members and 950 group sales. The contribution to the development of the community was positive, since 23.53, 19.41, 18.37, 13.02, 12.75 and 12.92% of the respondents, respectively expressed satisfaction of better structuring, improved leaders’ capacity, mobilized funds, new strategies in place, improved market access and good governance in the organisation. This study concluded that farmers’ organizations are important for famers and their rural communities of farmers. Key words: Aid, contribution, farmers’ organizations, North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR), rural development.
Highlights
IntroductionIn Cameroon like in many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is the main-stay of the economy
In Cameroon like in many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is the main-stay of the economy.Agricultural development requires the embracement of external aid to facilitate access to productive resources, J
The objective of the study is to analyze the contribution of North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR) to the development of its members and their rural community in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon; to examine the contribution of external aid on the performance of NOWEFOR, and to determine the contribution of NOWEFOR on its beneficiaries and the rural community
Summary
In Cameroon like in many other countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is the main-stay of the economy. Agricultural development requires the embracement of external aid to facilitate access to productive resources, J. Ext. Rural Dev. capacity building, marketing, and access to production credit (AfDB, 2010). Security, conflict resolution and good governance made life safer and better for the rural population (Koehler et al, 2007). In the past colonial period, external aid has been one of the main vehicles for the rich countries to promote better living conditions in less developed parts of the world, with alleviation of poverty and narrowing income disparities, viewed as its main goals (Calderón et al, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
