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.