The South West Development Authority (SOWEDA) has joined forces with the World Bank as a key implementation partner of the Emergency Project to Combat the Food Crisis in Cameroon (PULCCA). This multi-million-dollar initiative, which has received substantial funding from the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA Credit No. 7116-CM), represents a direct and strategic response to the pressing challenge of food insecurity that has taken hold in several regions of Cameroon, exacerbated by ongoing conflict and instability. The project's overarching objective is to bolster food security through a comprehensive and meticulously targeted approach, with the ultimate aim of empowering individuals and communities to achieve lasting self-reliance in the face of adversity.

SOWEDA's role within the PULCCA framework lies in its mandate to strengthen the productive capacities of small-scale farmers, a cornerstone of the Project's strategy to combat food insecurity at its roots. The Establishment is actively engaged in acquiring and distributing essential production kits to vulnerable individuals, providing them with the necessary resources to cultivate crops and raise livestock, thereby fostering self-sufficiency and resilience. These kits are carefully designed to enhance climate resilience and improve nutritional and financial outcomes among the targeted populations, aligning seamlessly with PULCCA's broader vision of sustainable and equitable food security.

The South West Development Authority (SOWEDA) serves as an instrument of the Government, spearheading development initiatives in the South West Region of Cameroon. With SOWEDA’s deep-rooted understanding of the Region's unique challenges and opportunities, the Establishment is positioned as an ideal partner to lead this critical initiative in the Region. SOWEDA’s unwavering commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment is evident in its meticulous approach to identifying and assisting vulnerable persons, ensuring that aid is directed precisely where it's needed most.

PULCCA's distinctive approach lies in its focus on empowering individuals rather than solely targeting groups, acknowledging that vulnerability manifests in diverse ways and requires tailored solutions. The project furnishes customized production kits to individuals in need, ensuring that assistance is adapted to their specific circumstances and needs. These kits encompass a wide array of resources, contingent upon the agricultural sector:

Crops: Cassava cuttings, potato seedlings, maize seeds, and plantain plantlets, complemented by essential inputs such as fertilizers and herbicides, enabling individuals to cultivate their own food and generate income.

Livestock and Fishery: Support for milk production, poultry farming, piggery, small ruminants, honey production, and the construction of solar-powered boreholes to guarantee reliable access to water, a critical resource for livestock and overall well-being. Apart from the kits distribute, farmers are further assisted through comprehensive training, equipping beneficiaries with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize their production and attain self-sufficiency. This holistic approach not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters long-term sustainability and resilience. The project understands that sustainable food security requires a skilled workforce. PULCCA, through SOWEDA has invested in training programs that equip farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. By training 10 master trainers and 116 facilitators in crop production, and 6 master trainers and 68 facilitators in livestock, SOWEDA has created a network of experts who can provide ongoing support and guidance to farmers. This investment in human capital is a cornerstone of the project's long-term success.

The project's impact is already being felt. Thousands of farmers have received vital resources, including 5500kg of maize seeds distributed to 812 persons, 3,985,000 cassava cuttings distributed to 1,594 beneficiaries, and 398,800 plantain plantlets distributed to 997 vulnerable persons. These inputs will enabled them to cultivate their own food and generate income, transforming their lives from lack to self-sufficiency. PULCCA's impact extends far beyond immediate relief; it represents a strategic and long-term investment in Cameroon's future. By empowering individuals, fortifying communities, and championing sustainable agriculture, PULCCA is forging a path towards a more food-secure future for all. 

The impact of PULCCA can be seen in the faces of those already benefitting. Ewokolo Ndumbe from Dikolo, a beneficiary of the project, expressed her gratitude for the 2,500 cassava cuttings she received: "This will help me so much and even help others. I have 15 IDPs in my village under my care, and feeding has not been always easy. I have been given five bags today and each bag is made up of 500 cuttings. This is really a lot! We can now use this to develop the farm so we have what to eat, what to sell in the market. Thank you so much for this opportunity given to us."

Ngwa Divine from Chopfarm, Limbe 3, shared similar sentiments: "I have one and a half hectar of land which I have prepared and tilled but no sticks to use. I was extremely happy that this Project brought us cassava cuttings because I have tilled! But no cuttings to plant. I thank PULCCA very much. I know when I plant these cuttings now, I will not need to beg for cuttings from my neighbors next year. I will have more money because I will make garri with the tubars, waterfufu, in fact, there is just so much. I will be able to rest now with my family. I’m so happy".

Mary Ayuk Ashu, a farmer and widow, expressed her appreciation for the 12kg of maize seeds she received: "We will plant them, harvest them, eat some, sell some, take care of our children, and pay their school fees. We are grateful." Joseph Awah from Meme was overjoyed to receive 20 bags of plantain plantlets which contained 20 plantlets each: "400 plantlets! Chaii! I am very grateful. We will plant and feed ourselves and our families. Thank you PULCCA".

Although PULCCA’s achievements through SOWEDA to date are plausable, the Project's vision extends beyond the current accomplishments. In the coming months, PULCCA plans to distribute 148 cassava graters, 141 maize threshing machines, and 510 plantain cutters to farmer groups in the South West Region. These tools will enhance the efficiency of post-harvest processing and improve the quality of agricultural products. Additionally, PULCCA is in the process of acquiring and distributing fertilizers and fungicides, livestock kits, including broilers, piglets  and beekeeping equipment. This initiative will provide farmers with additional income-generating opportunitities.

The Project officially took off in 2023, and has set in motion a series of activities aimed at achieving its goals. Evaluations will be conducted at the end of each year throughout the Project's three-year duration to gauge progress, glean valuable insights, and adapt strategies for subsequent years, ensuring that the project remains responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

In essence, PULCCA embodies more than just an emergency response; it signifies a profound commitment to uplifting the populations of targeted Regions out of the clutches of food insecurity and towards a future marked by self-sufficiency, resilience, and sustainable prosperity. Through its strategic partnership with SOWEDA and its focus on empowering individuals, PULCCA is poised to make a lasting and transformative impact on Cameroon's agricultural landscape and the well-being of its people, securing a sustainable and prosperous future for generations.