The Cameroonian government has implemented various initiatives to boost production and processing in the agro-pastoral sectors, aiming to ensure food sovereignty and reduce imports. These initiatives are part of the country's Strategy for National Development (SND30) and the Integrated Plan for Import-Substitution in Agro-Pastoral and Fisheries (PIISAH) 2024-2026. The goal is to develop local value chains and reduce dependence on imports.
One of the projects is the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVA), which was closed in Yaoundé on September 16. The project, implemented since 2019, has a budget of 32.22 billion FCFA from the Islamic Development Bank (BID). It focuses on products such as cocoa and cassava, and provides improved seeds and financial support to producers to increase their yields and income.
Another project is the Rice Value Chain Development Project (PDCVR), with an investment of 133 billion FCFA. The project aims to increase national rice production by 10%, with production per hectare expected to rise from 4.5 to six tons. The project also aims to create 253,000 jobs, with 50% of them for women and young people, and increase the average income of small food producers by 20%.
The concept of value chain refers to the series of stages and activities developed in one or several sectors, from design to after-sales service, including production, processing, and marketing. This approach is a translation of the state's will to go beyond simple production, such as cocoa, and create small industrial units and modern industries to increase the added value of certain products.
The development of value chains is expected to create new jobs and increase export revenues, which will have beneficial effects on the economy. The projects are being implemented across the country, with the aim of transforming the economy and accumulating national wealth. The government is working to create favorable conditions for economic growth and wealth accumulation.
Despite the efforts, the effects of the projects are slow to materialize. The projects' impact on production and processing is still limited, and it remains to be seen whether they will achieve their expected goals. The government and stakeholders will need to work together to address the challenges and ensure the success of the projects.
The Cameroon Tribune article highlights the challenges facing the development of agro-pastoral value chains in the country. While the government has launched several initiatives, more needs to be done to ensure the success of these projects and achieve the desired impact on the economy. The projects' outcomes will be closely monitored to determine their effectiveness in achieving the country's development goals.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has launched several projects to develop agro-pastoral value chains, including the Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (PD-CVA) and the Rice Value Chain Development Project (PDCVR).
- The projects aim to increase production and processing in the agro-pastoral sectors, create new jobs, and increase export revenues.
- Despite the efforts, the effects of the projects are slow to materialize, and it remains to be seen whether they will achieve their expected goals.
