Reviving Rural Livelihoods: How Mékro’s Farmers Are Transforming Agriculture with PREMOPEF Support.

Wednesday 23rd July 2025

By inAfrika Reporter

In the heart of Côte d’Ivoire, the rural community of Mékro is witnessing a transformative change. Known for its high agricultural potential in crops like yams, rice, and cassava, Mékro’s farmers have long struggled with outdated farming methods and climate challenges that kept productivity low and households vulnerable. This narrative began to shift in early 2024 when the Project to Improve the Livelihoods of Smallholders and Women (PREMOPEF) was introduced, offering a beacon of hope for local farmers.

One of the beneficiaries, Koffi Kouakou Charles, known locally as “KKC,” represents the new wave of empowered smallholders eager to embrace innovation. A father of seven, Koffi once relied on traditional yam varieties and labor-intensive farming methods that yielded little despite his hard work. The financial strain worsened when a livestock epidemic wiped out his poultry and goats, deepening the vulnerability faced by his family.

PREMOPEF, funded by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and the African Development Fund, aims to boost food security and resilience against climate shocks for tens of thousands of vulnerable farmers in the N’Zi region, with a focus on women and youth. Central to this initiative are training programs promoting agroecological techniques and the introduction of improved crop varieties designed to withstand climatic stress.

For Koffi, adopting the new “Anader” and “Cameroun” yam varieties marked a turning point. His yield doubled from two to four tonnes per plot within months, a dramatic increase that allowed him to allocate most of his harvest for family consumption and future planting, while selling surplus at the local market. This surplus income represents a significant financial relief, encouraging Koffi to envision expanding his farm and mechanizing tasks with equipment like ridging machines and seed drills.

The project not only addresses crop production but also seeks to enhance overall rural livelihoods. The training in safer poultry farming methods aims to prevent future livestock losses, while capacity building helps farmers like Koffi gain the skills needed for sustainable growth. The focus on women and young people ensures inclusive development, creating opportunities beyond traditional farming roles.

PREMOPEF’s holistic approach is transforming Mékro from a community struggling with subsistence farming into a region moving toward economic stability and resilience. The project coordinator emphasizes that this initiative is more than agriculture; it is about empowering people to withstand shocks and build better futures.

Koffi’s story reflects this new horizon. Where once survival was the primary goal, now hope and ambition take center stage. His plans to scale production, invest in infrastructure, and diversify into safer livestock rearing embody the potential unleashed when rural communities receive targeted support and knowledge.

As Mékro’s farmers continue to embrace innovation and resilience, the broader N’Zi region stands to benefit from increased food security and economic vitality. This success serves as a model for similar communities across Africa where sustainable agricultural development can transform lives and livelihoods.