North West farmers boiling in anger over two years alleged fraud by agricultural organization

Bamenda, Cameroon (CNA)- Farmers in Bamenda, North West Cameroon, said they will file complaints with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development against an organization called SAPIDCAM.

The farmers allege SAPIDCAM, which promised to support plantain production, collected registration fees of 10,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 18) from numerous farmers but failed to deliver on its promises.

According to a spokesperson for the farmers, who requested anonymity fearing retaliation, SAPIDCAM initially promised to provide resources for cultivation and purchase all the plantain produce, including the stems. However, over two years have passed with no salaries paid to agricultural technicians hired by SAPIDCAM and no farms receiving the promised support.

The farmers allege that SAPIDCAM pressured them to open bank accounts with the organization and then abruptly closed its local office without notifying them.

SAPIDCAM could not be reached for comment. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has not yet confirmed receipt of the complaint.