Abstract

This study was carried out from January 2018 to March 2019 in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon on the role of farmers organization (FOs) in the strengthening of the technical and organizational capacities of farmers, particularly the case of the Program for the Improvement of Competiveness of Family Agro-pastoral Farms (PCP-ACEFA) and the North West Farmers’ Organization (NOWEFOR). The objective of the study was to analyze the role of FOs on the technical and organizational strengthening of the capacities of farmers and the organization in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Secondary sources data were reviewed. Primary source data were obtained directly from the field. Two hundred and eighty (280) farmer members of the farmers’ organisations were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire and 7 leaders were interviewed using an interview guide. In addition, direct observations were made. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS. The findings showed that  the contribution on the development of technical and organisational capacities of the farmers was overall positive as farmers had improved skills in input supply (51.42%), production (38.57%), and market access (27.14%) compared to non-beneficiaries. The contribution on the strengthening of the organisation as a whole was overall positive since it had permitted FOs to respectively employ technical staff (52.85%) and boosted membership (45.71%) and improved group input supplies and group sales in the organisation.  This study concluded that farmers’ organizations are pivotal in the strengthening of the technical and organisational capacities of farmers and their organisations.

Key words: Contribution, farmers, farmers organisation, technical and organisational, rural development.