(Business in Cameroon) – Milk production in Cameroon increased by 2% in 2023, reaching 176,600 tons compared to 173,900 tons in 2022, according to a report released by the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries on July 16. This increase is attributed to revitalization policies, including greater private sector involvement and the importation of high-yield dairy cows. Despite this boost, Cameroon still faces a milk production deficit of nearly 120,000 tons per year, leading the country to rely on dairy imports.
To address this issue, the government has invested in acquiring 495 Montbéliarde dairy cows from France between 2020 and 2023. These cows, known for producing up to 40 liters of milk per day and their adaptability to hot climates, were brought in through the Livestock Development Project (Prodel), funded by the World Bank. The goal is to increase local milk production and reduce the country’s dependency on foreign dairy products.
To tackle the production deficit in the long term, the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries approved an ambitious strategic plan on June 18, extending from 2024 to 2035. Valued at CFA305.7 billion, this plan aims to boost national milk production from under 200,000 tons to 1,146,600 tons by 2035. The objective is to significantly cut imports and enhance the country’s milk self-sufficiency. Albert Douffissa, the plan’s coordinator, highlighted that this project is crucial for transforming the local dairy sector, reducing the economic burden of imports. According to the latest report from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Cameroon imported 20,596.1 tons of milk and dairy products in 2023, costing CFA40.6 billion, and 17,217.9 tons of milk powder or concentrate for CFA35 billion.
