NWCA Hosts Educational Field Visit for Food Science Students of Our Lady of Lourdes College Makon
The North West Cooperative Association (NWCA) Ltd recently welcomed Food Science students from Our Lady of Lourdes College Makon for an educational field visit held on Friday, 20 February, aimed at strengthening practical learning and promoting greater awareness of agriculture among young people.
The visit formed part of the students’ academic programme and served as practical preparation for their end-of-course examinations, with particular emphasis on translating classroom theory into real-world application.
Upon arrival at NWCA, the staff received and introduced the students to the operations of one of Cameroon’s leading agricultural cooperatives, where they gained valuable insight into the Association’s role in supporting farmers and strengthening the coffee value chain.
During the field sessions, students were taken through key stages of cooperative activities, including coffee production processes, quality management practices, and processing operations. These practical demonstrations enabled them to better understand how food science principles are applied in agricultural processing and quality assurance.
The learning experience extended to visits to NWCA farms and nursery sites, where students observed crop management practices and seedling development firsthand. This exposure deepened their understanding of the early stages of production and highlighted the importance of effective farm management in ensuring quality outcomes throughout the value chain.
Throughout the visit, students actively engaged with NWCA staff through discussions and questions, gaining deeper insight into both the challenges and opportunities within Cameroon’s agricultural sector. These interactions helped bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience while encouraging students to consider future roles within the agricultural value chain.
Beyond the technical aspects, the visit underscored the broader importance of agriculture in national development and rural livelihoods. Students were encouraged to view agriculture not merely as traditional farming, but as a modern and evolving sector offering diverse career opportunities in agribusiness, logistics, quality control, research, and cooperative management.
The visit concluded on a memorable note as students enjoyed a firsthand experience of the final product, tasting coffee processed through NWCA’s value chain. This moment allowed them to fully appreciate the journey from farm to cup, reinforcing the connection between agricultural production, scientific processing, and the finished product enjoyed by consumers.
The students and their teachers expressed appreciation to NWCA for the enriching and informative experience, noting its value in effectively bridging theory and practice. Through initiatives such as these, NWCA continues to promote youth engagement, knowledge transfer, and greater interest in agriculture as a dynamic and viable career pathway for the next generation.