The ambiance, full of hope and enthusiasm, filled the air as farmers from all caveats of South West gathered in Buea to participate in the 2021 Edition of the South West Agro Pastoral Show. The annual Fair, which took place from December 16th- 18th,  at Bongo Square , is designed to encourage actors in the crop, livestock and forestry sectors throughout the Region, to celebrate their success and display their achievements in the realm of agriculture. The event also acts as an important vehicle for participants to share their experiences and network in order to improve their performance for the impending year. 

Above:  The population peruses various crops on display at the Agric Pastoral Show 

The show held particular prevalence as the year 2021 saw a significant return to peace in many communities. This gradual homecoming also sparked hope for the improvement in the agricultural sector as farmers return to their villages and farms.

The animated event saw the participation of approximately 858 exhibitors crossing gender barriers with the active participation of males, women and youths. The year’s theme, ‘Eat Local for a Sustainable Future’, enjoyed significant support from farmers as many brought an abundance of their finest crops for sale such as groundnuts, oranges, cocoa cassava, Irish potatoes, beans, plantain, rice and  tomatoes amongst many others

Clockwise:  Farmers display Cocoa pods, cocoa beans, plantains, oil palm seedlings, groundnuts, coconuts, maize and cassava tubers) 

Highlights of the event included exhibitions of specific activities primarily, the donation of special prizes for the promotion of hard work, resilience of Internally Displaced Persons who reside in insecure locations while tending to their farms, in addition to Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture. The promotion of group work on the importance of working as a cooperative through animated sketches was also demonstrated as well as the promotion of women in Agribusiness.

Clockwise: Beneficiary from Batoke displays cassava tubers from cuttings distributed by AIVDP, Cutting of the ribbon by Sec. General of the South West Governor’s Office, Farmer awarded with 1st Prize for white yams Calabar, Farmer awarded with 1st Prize for cassava tubers, , Farmer awarded with 1st Prize for plantain bunches, Dance group from Ndian animates ceremony with performance.

As an advocate of improving livelihoods and promoting job creation through agriculture for rural communities in South West Region, AIVDP supported the event through the donation of agricultural equipment such as wheel barrows, machetes, and push tucks, which were shared as prizes to various winners in diverse categories. The Project has equally constructed market infrastructures in various locations in the Region to spur commerce of agricultural crops in rural communities.

Above: (Right) Agric equipment donated for the event (Left) Completed market infrastructure in Mungo, Fako and Ndian Basin

Each year the Agro Pastoral Show remains an opportunity to stretch a helping hand to participants and put a smile on their faces. The hope for 2022 and onwards, is that every smiling household shall further consolidate in the attainment of peace in the region with a thriving agricultural sector. 

.