In Cameroon, agriculture accounts for nearly 20% of GDP and provides a livelihood for about 70% of the population, particularly in rural areas.Despite its vital role, the sector faces numerous systemic challenges: low levels of mechanization, limited access to financing, aging farming populations, and the growing threat of climate change.
Smallholder farmers often operate with outdated techniques, struggling to add value or reach competitive markets, while young people increasingly turn away from agriculture in search of better opportunities.
That is exactly what Nancy Nalova, #E4ImpactEntrepreneur from the WONDER Project Cameroon, has experienced first-hand. She is the founder of the Nutritional Agricultural Network farming Cooperative NAN-AGRIC, an agribusiness dedicated to sustainable farming, addressing food insecurity by equipping farmers with modern techniques and promoting cassava transformation.
She joined the WONDER Project with a clear goal: to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in farming— empowering youth and women through cassava processing, agribusiness training, and climate-smart agricultural practices. Thanks to her strong commitment to women’s empowerment and her impactful work in the agribusiness sector, she was selected as one of the four finalists for the Gian Marco Moratti Award 2025.
“The E4Impact program had a significant impact on both my personal and professional growth. It helped me enhance my leadership and business management skills. More importantly, it allowed me to refine our business strategy, improve efficiency, and strengthen NAN-AGRIC’s overall operations.”
Let’s learn more about Nancy having a look at the interview we conducted with her.
1. How was your business idea born?
The idea for NAN-AGRIC was born from my personal experiences growing up in a farming community. I saw how smallholder farmers faced low productivity, lack of access to markets, and financial instability. My passion for sustainable agriculture and women’s empowerment, combined with my educational background in environmental sciences and agribusiness, inspired me to find a solution. I realized cassava had huge untapped economic potential. That’s when I decided to start NAN-AGRIC, focusing on cassava value addition, farmer training, and market development.
2. Could you share a general framework of the services, activities, solutions and/or benefits that your business has provided over the last years?
Over the past few years, NAN-AGRIC Cameroon has focused on empowering farmers—especially women and youth— through sustainable agribusiness solutions. We’ve trained over 1,000 farmers, created jobs for 50 women, and improved local food security through cassava value addition. Our main activities include processing cassava into garri, flour, and starch, offering training on climate-smart agriculture, and supporting smallholder farmers with tools and techniques to boost productivity. We also advocate for inclusive agricultural policies and represent youth voices at international platforms like the African Union and the Mandela Washington Fellowship.
3. Which main challenges were you experiencing in your business, if any?
We’ve faced several major challenges. Access to funding has been limited, making it difficult to scale operations or improve infrastructure like storage facilities. High production costs and unpredictable weather patterns caused by climate change have also reduced cassava yields. Additionally, market competition, price instability, and bureaucratic red tape have slowed our growth. Despite these obstacles, we continue to push forward by seeking strategic partnerships, adopting innovative farming methods, and pursuing financial support.
4. Could you tell us a particular satisfactory moment you had in your entrepreneurial activity?
One of the most rewarding moments was being selected as a Mandela Washington Fellow in 2025. It was a powerful recognition of the years of effort we’ve invested in sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment. Another proud moment was being named among the Top 15 National Projects in the Total Energy Start-Up Challenge. But what truly fulfills me is seeing the transformation in our farmers—over 1,000 trained, 50 women employed, and lives changed through cassava farming.
5. What impact have you seen in your environment, and what impact do you aim to create for your beneficiaries in the future?
The entrepreneurial landscape in agriculture has evolved. More young people and women now see agribusiness as a viable career path. Through NAN-AGRIC, we’ve trained over 1,000 farmers, created employment, and promoted sustainable practices. We’ve helped improve food security and income levels. Moving forward, I want to deepen our impact by reaching 2,000+ farmers, scaling our operations, and continuing to empower women in agriculture.
6. What has been the main challenge you had to overcome in your entrepreneurial experience? How have you managed to overcome it?
The biggest challenge was the lack of funding to scale our operations and improve our infrastructure. To overcome it, I applied for grants and entered competitions, which led to recognitions like the Mandela Washington Fellowship and the Total Energy Start-Up Challenge. We also reinvested profits, used cost-effective methods, and leveraged digital tools to boost our visibility and sales.
7. In your opinion, what are the main qualities an entrepreneur should have?
I believe an entrepreneur must be resilient to overcome setbacks, visionary to identify opportunities, and adaptable to change. Leadership is key to motivating a team, and strong problem-solving skills are essential to navigating daily challenges. Passion, determination, and financial literacy are also crucial to sustaining long-term growth.
8. Is there a person you are inspired by, i.e. an entrepreneur or a particular mentor?
I’m deeply inspired by Oprah Winfrey. Her journey, resilience, vision, and ability to empower others resonate with me. She exemplifies the transformative power of leadership and determination, especially for women entrepreneurs.
9. What would you suggest to a new-born entrepreneur?
Stay resilient and never stop learning. Be open to change, focus on solving real problems, and surround yourself with mentors and a supportive network. Build a strong foundation based on values and purpose.
10. Any final comment/suggestion you’d like to share?
I believe women entrepreneurs need more access to mentorship, funding, and equal opportunities. True impact comes from equity. Empowering women is not just a social responsibility—it’s a catalyst for economic and social change.
