(Business in Cameroon) – Cameroon has embarked on an ambitious transformation of its agricultural sector, placing it at the heart of the country’s economic and social development strategy from 2018 to 2025. This period was marked by a firm resolve to modernize agriculture to ensure food self-sufficiency and drive local industrialization.
The sector has confirmed its central role in the national economy, showing productive growth over the period. Employing 55% of the active population, according to the 2020 national census, and involving nearly two million agricultural households, it has consistently contributed around 20% to the country’s GDP, according to updated 2023 World Bank data.
Cassava production stabilized at around 5.34 million tons annually, solidifying its status as a staple food.
Cereal production recorded solid results, surpassing initial estimates. Maize, the country’s flagship crop, increased 7% from 2.20 million tons in 2018 to 2.36 million tons in 2023, confirmed by FAO’s Food and Agriculture Data (FAOSTAT) (2024). Millet and sorghum saw an even more marked progression, growing 24% from 1.23 million tons in 2018 to 1.52 million tons in 2022. The rice sector also maintained a positive trajectory, with production rising 43% from 314,000 tons in 2018 to 450,000 tons in 2022, placing the government’s 2025 target of 500,000 tons within reach.
The rice sector also maintained a positive trajectory, with production rising 43% from 314,000 tons in 2018 to 450,000 tons in 2022, placing the government’s 2025 target of 500,000 tons within reach.
The tuber segment showed mixed trends. Cassava production stabilized at around 5.34 million tons annually, solidifying its status as a staple food. Potato production expanded more notably than expected, increasing 32% from 408,000 tons in 2018 to 540,000 tons in 2022. Sweet potatoes followed a similar trend, with production growing 18% from 520,000 to 615,000 tons over the same period. However, export crops presented steeper declines than initially believed. Plantain production fell 10% from 4.5 million tons in 2018 to 4.05 million in 2022, while pineapple saw an 11% contraction from 252,000 tons to 225,000 tons.
Official data shows a variable trend in agricultural GDP, which fluctuated between 204 billion CFA francs in the first quarter of 2018 and 459 billion CFA francs in the second quarter of 2022, with a period average of 314 billion CFA francs. This variability is driven by the impact of changing climatic conditions and fluctuating commodity prices.
To address these challenges, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development deployed a modernization strategy based on four key pillars. Mechanization intensified with the acquisition of 1,000 tractors funded by the African Development Bank and the creation of 200 community mechanization workshops between 2021 and 2024. Access to inputs also improved with facilitated access to fertilizers and pesticides for professional organizations, as well as the distribution of nearly 1,700 tons of certified rice seeds in 2023. The production of quality seeds received reinforced support in collaboration with the Ministry of Scientific Research, focusing on high-yield varieties like NERICA rice and hybrid maize.
The development of rural microfinance has facilitated access to credit for farmers through the National Agricultural Guarantee Fund, launched in 2022, which now covers 12% of farmers with a goal of reaching 25% by 2026. The rehabilitation of more than 1,800 kilometers of rural roads since 2021 has improved the transport of goods to markets. Priority sectors including maize, rice, sorghum, and cassava received multifaceted support to strengthen food security.
Projections for 2025 anticipate a consolidation of cereal growth and diversification into market gardening. The government aims for a paddy rice production of 500,000 tons and equipping an additional 50,000 hectares with drip or sprinkler irrigation systems. Strengthening local processing capabilities, with the creation of regional maize, cassava, and rice processing units, aims to reduce the country’s import bill by 12%.
The Cameroonian agricultural sector is evolving in a context of transition, combining climatic challenges with technological modernization opportunities. Its growth potential is supported by public policies and an increasing adaptation to regional market demands.
The 2025 agricultural campaign, launched by Minister Gabriel Mbairobe on April 26, emphasized the importance of addressing climatic and social issues for sustainable development. The minister projected a future agriculture that is “technological, responsible, and value-generating,” requiring consistent public policy and concrete action on the ground. A key initiative illustrating this ambition is the Central Plain Project, which aims to secure and develop 400,000 hectares of arable land. The pilot phase of 45,000 hectares, which began in 2024, is expected to transform Cameroon’s agricultural landscape in the coming years, solidifying the gains from the 2018-2025 period.
