By Prince Mundi Tanda*
Thousands of rice farmers in Bangolan in the Ngoketunjia Division of the North West Region of Cameroon are on the brink of poverty as climate change continues to disrupt traditional farming circles, severely affecting rice production in the area.
A greater population of the village depend on rice cultivation as primary source of income. For generations, rice farming has been the backbone of Bangolan’s economy, providing food, income, and education for thousands of families. But this year, farmers are in despair.
Erratic rainfall patterns, excessive flooding, and prolonged waterlogging, have combined to devastate this year’s rice harvest, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of rice farmers and their dependents.
“The rains came late last year so we planted late,” explained Ajara Zuponyui, a local rice farmer. “Then, when the rains finally arrived, they were too heavy. Our rice fields were flooded, and most of our crops rotted before we could harvest them,” she said.
Rice is a staple food in Cameroon, and the Ndop plain where Bangolan is found is one of the regions where rice is extensively grown and consumed by the local population.
Some famers invested heavily in the cultivation during the last farming season and hoped for a good yield. Pah Samuel Docta and wife, Sidoline Mundifah said they invested heavily in fertilizers, pesticides, and transportation and are now left with crushing debts and little to show for their efforts.
“We barely harvested anything,” Pah Samuel lamented. “And the little rice we managed to save had to be sold immediately to cover pressing family needs. Now, we have nothing left to eat,” he explained.
Skyrocketing prices hit families
The fall in rice production has sent food prices soaring across the Ndop plain. A 500-kilogram bag of paddy rice, which sold for FCFA 20,000 last year, now costs FCFA 35,000 due to shortages. Many households that sold off their small harvests for urgent needs are now unable to afford the rice they once grew.
Economist Ndi Thomas warns that the crisis could push many families deeper into poverty.
“The price of rice influences everything in this locality,” Ndi explained. “When rice becomes expensive, people spend more on food and have less money for other essentials like healthcare and education.”
Bangolan and the greater Ndop plain are among Cameroon’s major rice-producing areas. The drop in production is not just affecting local families but also businesses that depend on the rice trade.
“Traders are struggling, and transporters are seeing fewer goods to carry,” said local rice dealer Fai Vincent. “The entire supply chain is affected, and this will have long-term consequences for our economy.”
In 2023, the Upper Noun Valley Development Authority (UNVDA) recorded over 1,300 tons of paddy rice, a significant improvement from 700 tons in 2022. But this year, experts predict that the total harvest could drop to about 500 tons, a staggering decline of more than 60%.
Direct consequence of climate change
Experts say the sorry story of rice farmers in Bangolan and across the Ndop plain is a direct consequence of climate change. Dr. Ngone Elvis, an agronomist, explains that global warming has made weather patterns more unpredictable.
“We now see longer dry seasons followed by sudden, excessive rainfall,” he said. “Traditional rice farming methods are struggling to keep up with these changes.”
The situation in Bangolan mirrors a broader trend across Cameroon. A recent report from the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that extreme weather events have caused national rice production to drop by 20% in the last five years.
Despite the grim situation, experts believe that adopting modern, climate-smart farming techniques could help farmers adapt.
Mani Brice, an environmental specialist says sustainable techniques like building canals and reservoirs to regulate water flow and prevent floods, introducing drought- and flood-tolerant rice varieties that can survive extreme weather and the training of farmers on better planting techniques, soil conservation, and water management, can reverse the trend.
“Sustainable practices are key to reversing this trend and ensuring food security,” Brice said. “If we don’t act now, this crisis will only get worse.”
Cry for Help
For the people of Bangolan, the crisis is not just about statistics—it is about survival. With hunger spreading, children’s education at risk, and debts piling up, families are desperate for a solution.
Local leaders are calling on the government, NGOs, and international partners to step in with relief measures, including subsidized seeds, financial support, and emergency food aid.
“We are hardworking people,” says Ajara. “We just need a little help to get back on our feet. If nothing is done, we may have to abandon rice farming altogether just like we did abandon coffee farming.”
*Prince Mundi Tanda is a journalist, news presenter and reporter with Vision 4 television in Yaounde.
First published in NewsWatch newspaper No 198 of Wednesday, February 12, 2025
