RVCDP Holds 7th Steering Committee, Charts Next Phase for Local Production.

The Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP) recently held its 7th Steering Committee Meeting in Bamenda. Chaired by H.E. Gabriel Mbaïrobe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and President of the RVCDP Steering Committee, the meeting to review the implementation progress and set directions for the coming months focused on Accountability, Evaluation, and Performance Assessment across the projects rice value chain components.

Steering Committee Members during Deliberations.

In his opening remarks, the Minister emphasized that the RVCDP remains a key instrument for strengthening Cameroons rice sector, particularly with the aim of reducing import dependence and improving the resilience and incomes of rice farmers. ”Today’s session is a crucial accountability and evaluation exercise. We will begin by reviewing our road map, adopting our agenda and meticulously examining the minutes and recommendations of our 6th Steering Committee session.” H.E. Gabriel Mbaïrobe.


The meeting also featured the Review of Progress and major achievements recorded since the 6th Steering Committee Meeting of 30th December 2025. Both completed actions and ongoing initiatives were reviewed.

Some key milestones highlighted during the meeting included among others:

~ Protocol agreements signed with IRAD reinforcing research and technical collaboration for the Rice Value Chain.

~ Supply of basic rice seeds to the RVCDP, along with distribution to 121 trained seed multipliers, with seed returns expected from participating cooperatives.

~ Ongoing implementation of contracts for land development to support production expansion.

~ Progress on market infrastructure construction and rehabilitation of access roads and warehouses, aimed at easing movement of inputs and improving market access.

~ Steps toward establishing project administration capacity through the construction of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) office.

~ Continued capacity building activities across the projects antennas.

~ Engagement and recruitment processes for Design and Supervision Consultants supported by OPEC and Kuwait Funds.

~ Completion of the Audit of RVCDP accounts for 2024 and 2025, as part of enhanced transparency and compliance.

The above points formed the basis for the committees examination of the Project Progress Report covering the period up to June 24th 2026, which participants described as a central document for assessing implementation quality, operational milestones, constraints, and execution efficiency.

Beyond reviewing results, committee members also used the session to revisit the RVCDP roadmap and verify that previously adopted recommendations are being followed through without gaps. The Minister urged participants to maintain an environment for frank and constructive deliberations, noting that the success of the project depends on “rigorous oversight” and strategic guidance from the steering committee leadership and members. “I encourage open, constructive, and forward looking deliberations today. Let us keep our ultimate target in mind: maximizing value for the local rice farmers and consumers.” H. E. Gabriel Mbaïrobe

With renewed commitment to steering the RVCDP toward tangible outcomes for producers and consumers, deliberations on the progress report findings, operational challenges, and the next steps required to accelerate rice production and strengthen the full value chain from seeds and land development to markets, logistics, and infrastructure characterized discussions of the day.

The RVCDP 7th Steering Committee meeting rounded up with further decisions and recommendations to guide implementation over the next phase of the project. The Meeting that held Wednesday July 2nd 2026 brought together Senior Government officials, Regional leaders, Project Authorities, and Development stakeholders.

Published by Upfront237 Saturday July 4th 2026, in Bamenda.

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