The African Development Bank has given its Okay for funding the construction of a Plantain transformation unit in Bangem. KupeMuanenguba being the highest plantain producer in the country, 35% according to the Ministry of agriculture, the transformation unit( factory) is expected to boost the economy of the division in particular and Southwest in general. ECO-OUTLOOK’s publisher, Ngalame Elias met the CEO of Rural Youth Leadership and Sustainable Development, RUYOLSUDEV and National Treasurer of the Banana/Plantain Association, Nzoubontane Henry Ekane for a chat on the new development in the plantain transformation project.
Excerpts;
Q- RUYOLSUDEV has not relented efforts in pushing for the réalisation of the promised construction of a plantain flour unit in Bangem. How far with this very important project.
Fellow cameroonians, from the initiation of the Plantain transformation project, we had as our main objective to redeem the hunger and poverty crisis in Cameroon as a whole and kupeMuanenguba in particular. Our project is geared at curbing food waste as a result of poor road infrastructure, create decent agricultural jobs, expand market etc.
From 2015 to present date RUYOLSUDEV haven’t actually relented effort to see the realization of this plantain transformation unit in Bangem sub division.
We actually submitted this project for funding to PD_CVA in 2019. The following year we received assistance in the form of planting material for a seed farm at Elum – Nninong. This was to boost production. 2021, through PNDCF, RUYOLSUDEV was given the opportunity to produce 15 thousand plantain plantlet to support farmers. Same year, the government realized it was necessary to bring the main actors for the Plantain sub sector together. RUYOLSUDEV since then have been representing South West Region in the Plantain sub sector because of her proper understanding and interest in the sector. She was a key member in the group of initiators for the formation of the national association for Plantain and banana (FBPC).
Bangem holds a key position as National Treasurer in this National Asociation. Today am glad to inform the public that AfDB, the funder of the project have given a non objection for the construction of the unit. We shall find tender on Cameroon Tribune in the days ahead.
It is also important to inform the world on AGRICULTURE PROMOTE that will take PLACE IN BANGEM ON THE 28 – 29 2024 AT PAUL BIYA STADIUM IN BANGEM.
2) We noted after the failure of the Bangem lap of the plantain festival development stakeholders led by RUYOLSUDEV carried out multiple contacts with the ministry of agriculture in Yaoundé to lobby for the réalisation of the project. What can you tell the public on this.
The second edition of the Plantain festival December 2023 in the south west region was principally because of production capacity of Bangem sub Division. At 35% at national level, there was need to celebrate Bangem. The world was quite eager to get to Bangem to see for themselves the amazing production and what a people can do with limited means.
The failure of Bangem lap during the 2nd edition of the festival prompted RUYOLSUDEV and other stakeholders to lobby for amends. During the audience granted to RUYOLSUDEV by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, April 19th 2024, we insisted on the factory and only the factory being the solution of our worry as of now. It should be noted this audience equally set precedence to AGRICULTURE PROMOTE TO TAKE PLACE IN BANGEM, NOVEMBER 28 – 29TH 2024. This is a day we honor and invite the world to celebrate agriculture with us. This is what our people are good at. Let’s show the world our worth. We are inviting investor at various agricultural sector. Join us develop not only the Plantain sector, you will be amazed on output of coffee, maize, tomato, cocoa etc. We sincerely thank the regional house of chiefs in the south west. The President of KM chiefs conference, HRH Chief Nnane, the CPDM Section President Mr Mesumbe and other dignitaries that were present especially farmer Representatives.
3) So what will this plantain transformation unit mean to Bangem in particular and SW region at large.
The Plantain factory is very important to a Bangem man in particular as the chief producer and South West region as a whole as the host.
The transformation unit will serve as a market to the farmers at encouraging prices.
It will solve the issue of farmer to market roads, inputs, create decent jobs just to mention a few.
4) How ready is Bangem for this project.
Bangem is the major producer of Plantain in Cameroon. We are very ready. We haven’t stopped planting plantains to feed the main unit. We have taken it as a challenge and have to proof it to the world. RUYOLSUDEV have been producing plantain flour, chips, biscuits since 2018. We are good at this. We have created multiple market channels. Actually we have done all it takes to have a successful unit of Plantain transformation in the south west region in particular and Cameroon as a whole.
5) What is the population expected to do and how can they contribute in sustaining this project .
Our effective presence on group and education to farmers on daily basis can assure the public of what we are saying as farmer number one, the main promoter of the project. The farmers are doing all it takes to keep this God sent project. We know, sustainability is key. To that end, we have not relented our effort to make good use of the rich volcanic soils KupeMuanenguba has been blessed with. We have engaged youths in Agriculture to increase the production level. The farmers are aware of the challenge ahead and honestly are doing all it takes to keep the unit running. Of course the coming of this plantain transformation unit means that farmers have to double their efforts to keep production at a threshold that will sustain the project.
6) Plantain transformation process may be strange to some people. As a professional in this domain, What does this entail.
I do agree. Not everyone today knows of Plantain transformation. But to be very honest with you it’s not like in 2018 when we started transforming. Our constant production, transformation, marketing and education have given us assurance, a reason to keep on. There is a very good market and knowledge for the product. Plantain is not selective of age and person in consumption. Note that it’s even special food to those suffering from terminal illness like diabetes and hypertension etc. We do receive phone calls and order for supplies. A lot more today are in need but the supply is not sufficient enough. The expansion of the existing transformation unit is timely.
7) So what marketing strategies have been put in place to ensure greater outreach of these expected transformed products ?
The market problem have been solved. The supermarkets in Cameroon are ready market outlets, bakeries, small retail shops etc. RUYOLSUDEV have equally created foreign market channels on the transformed products.
8) Any advice for farmers in particular and Kupe muanenguba population in general?
I will advise the farmers not to relent in their efforts to cultivate. Hard work pays off. Today we are talking of a Plantain transformation factory in Bangem. It’s a big dream come true. We are at the path of solving our developmental worries. It takes diligent behavior to solve problems. Dialogue is important. Give everyone a chance to express his or her opinion. We thank God we have achieved our objectives and policy strategy of rural industrialisation, decent job creation for rural poor, access to the market, regular maintenance of farm to market roads etc. We sincerely thank Mr Avom Eric, the national coordinator for fruits in Cameroon for his maximum collaboration in the realisation of this wonderful initiative
9) Thanks for talking to ECO OUTLOOK.
The Bangem population thank ECO OUTLOOK immensely for adding her voice in this wonderful development project. I am particularly impressed and thankful for your constant education on realities on ground to the general public. RUYOLSUDEV and Bangem community continue to count on ECO OUTLOOK.
