In the heart of the Marita area, where rolling hills are blanketed in lush greenery, a transformation has quietly taken root. Rows of vibrant violet potato plants stretch across the landscape, their deep green leaves swaying in the cool mountain breeze. The sight, beyond being picturesque, tells a story of resilience, empowerment, and the turning of tides for farmers like Mofou Randy Kenfack.

At 29, Randy has spent most of his life cultivating these hills, but his journey has been far from easy. Having never had the opportunity to attend school beyond the primary level, he dedicated himself entirely to potato farming shortly after obtaining his First School Leaving Certificate, a trade passed down through generations. However, despite his hard work and perseverance, Randy’s efforts were often met with frustration. The high cost of seeds, often of inferior quality, coupled with the soaring prices of fertilizers and insecticides, forced Randy to make tough choices about his farm’s upkeep. This made it difficult for him to thrive. After investing heavily in his farm, the returns were often dishearteningly meager.

To add to these struggles, the dry season posed a major challenge. Without rainfall or water from irrigation, Randy’s land would go barren for months, depriving him of crucial income. And when his harvests were abundant, the absence of proper storage meant that much of his produce would either rot before reaching the market or sold at very low prices because of huge supply, resulting in significant losses. These hardships left Randy trapped in a cycle of high expenses and minimal profits.

Today, Randy’s life has changed dramatically. The turning point came with the arrival of The Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Value Chain Development Project (AIVDP). This transformative Project funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF) and the Government of Cameroon, has ushered in a new era for potato farmers like him. Thanks to AIVDP’s intervention, Randy no longer has to worry about the exorbitant cost of low-quality seeds. He now purchases high-quality violet variety potato seeds for just a fraction of what he used to pay—around 100,000 francs CFA—a dramatic reduction from his previous expenses of 500,000frs for the same piece of land cultivated. This change not only improved the quality of his crops but also increased his yields.

Moreover, AIVDP’s support extends beyond just seeds. Randy now has benefitted from affordable fertilizers and insecticides, which has allowed him to care for his crops more effectively. Randy’s farm is thriving, and his income has more than tripled. With the increase in revenue, he can now provide for his family in ways he never thought possible. He states “The past 3 years have been the best in my farming activities. You can see how good my crops are doing. I have purchased about 200kgs of potato seeds from AIVDP at a really cheap price. With the savings from the purchase of seeds and profits I have made, I have been able to extend my farm from 4 hectares to 10 hectares. I am very grateful to AIVDP and its funders and I hope that they will continue assisting us”.

Yet, the improvements don’t stop there. Randy looks forward to December, when he will be able to farm year-round, thanks to a new water irrigation system AIVDP is installing in Marita village. No longer will the dry season mean months of idle land; instead, it will be an opportunity for even greater yields. In addition, the recently completed temperature-controlled warehouse in his village will allow him to store his potatoes for longer, ensuring they reach the market in peak condition and fetching higher prices.

Randy’s story is just one among many in Marita in particular and Nkongle in general. Farmers like 30 year old Zenoeg Vigiline echo similar sentiments of gratitude and hope, as several households in the village have witnessed similar improvements. AIVDP has not only addressed the challenges they faced but has empowered these farmers to envision a future of prosperity. She explains “The potato seeds I got from AIVDP have helped me a lot. They are better than the ones I used before and they are much cheaper too. My farms are doing well and so is my family. Now, I make more money than I used to and I am able to send my kids to the local school here without any stress. I want to say a big thank you to AIVDP for the wonderful work they are doing in Marita”.

The impact of AIVDP’s work extends beyond individual success stories. In the broader Lebialem division, and throughout the South West Region of Cameroon, the Project has played a pivotal role in transforming the potato farming sector. Through its production and productivity initiatives, AIVDP has distributed about 118 tons of potato seeds to 988 farmers, covering 59 hectares of land. This effort has led to an impressive estimated production of 884 tons of potatoes—a remarkable achievement for the region.

Additionally, AIVDP’s infrastructure development activities, including irrigation systems and the construction of temperature-controlled warehouses, have provided much-needed solutions to farmers’ long-standing issues. These interventions ensure that farmers can maximize their yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and access more consistent markets.

Funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Lives and Livelihoods Fund (LLF), and the Government of Cameroon, AIVDP is not just a project; it is a beacon of hope for many communities across the South West Region. Through its comprehensive approach to value chain development, the project is creating pathways out of poverty and empowering farmers like Randy to thrive.

As Randy tends to his flourishing potato fields today, his story is a testament to the power of resilience and the transformative impact of AIVDP. What was once a life of struggle has blossomed into one of triumph, and the future, like the fields of Marita village, looks brighter than ever.