By Engah Peter Parkers
The Mission for the Development of Small-Scale Maritime Fisheries (MIDEPECAM) has taken a significant step towards improving the livelihoods of vulnerable fishermen in Limbe, Fako Division. On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, MIDEPECAM distributed small-scale fishing kits to 100 persons facing food insecurity at Down Beach, Limbe.
The fishing kits, comprising 100 solid wood canoes, outboard engines, life jackets, fishing nets, and other equipment, were handed over to beneficiaries by the Project Managing Director, Dr. Tambi Samuel Ako. The distribution is part of MIDEPECAM’s efforts to strengthen the production capacities of small holders and promote sustainable fishing practices.
“This initiative is a testament to MIDEPECAM’s commitment to empowering fishermen and improving their quality of life,” Dr. Ako said. “We advice beneficiaries to respect the environment and basic laws of fishing, and not to sell any of the equipment.”
The fishing kits were funded by the Emergency Project to Combat the Food Crisis (PULCCA) through World Bank funds, estimated at FCFA 1.16 billion. MIDEPECAM plans to distribute more kits to vulnerable populations in Bamenda, Ngaoundere, and Maroua in the coming weeks
About MIDEPECAM
MIDEPECAM is a public industrial and commercial institution created in 1977, with the aim of promoting small-scale maritime fishing and improving the livelihoods of fishermen. The institution is headquartered in Douala and is supervised by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries (MINEPIA).
MIDEPECAM’s activities
– Distribution of equipment and accessories
– Production and distribution of flake ice
– Collection and distribution of catches
– Supply of the urban market through the collection and distribution of fishery products
– Improvement of storage conditions
– Combating post-catch losses and improving catch methods and means for sustainable fishing
PULCCA’s objectives
The Emergency Project to Combat the Food Crisis (PULCCA) aims to respond urgently to mitigate the short-term impacts of food and nutrition insecurity, and strengthen economic, climate, and community resilience in the Far North, North, Adamawa, North West, South West, and East regions.
The project is implemented through four components:
– Component 1: Support for food and nutritional stabilisation
– Component 2: Strengthening smallholder production capacities
– Component 3: Support for strengthening government capacity to monitor food security crises
– Component 4: Project management, monitoring, and evaluation
Beneficiaries, who hailed from Limbe I, Limbe II, Limbe III, West Coast, Bamusso, Isangelle, Kombo-Abedimo, Kombo-Itindi, and Ekodo-Ti-Ti, expressed their gratitude to MIDEPECAM and the government.
“I am now a boss,” said one beneficiary from West Coast. “I was working under somebody, but now the government has done a great thing in my life and that of my family. I will use these equipment carefully and make sure they are well secured.”
The distribution of fishing kits is expected to improve the income and quality of life of beneficiaries, while promoting sustainable fishing practices and environmental conservation.
Impact of the fishing kits
The fishing kits are expected to increase productivity, improve income, and enhance the quality of life of beneficiaries. With the right equipment, fishermen can increase their catch, leading to improved income and food security.
Dr. Ako emphasised the importance of responsible fishing practices, saying, “We will be monitoring the beneficiaries to ensure they adhere to sustainable fishing practices and maintain the equipment provided.”
The distribution of fishing kits is part of MIDEPECAM’s broader efforts to support vulnerable populations and promote sustainable fishing practices in Cameroon.
MIDEPECAM’s next distribution is scheduled for Bamenda, Ngaoundere, and Maroua on 10, 12, and 14 December 2025, respectively.