Cameroon's cassava production has been steadily increasing, with the country producing around 7 million tons per year since 2020, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (Minader). The production is carried out by over 350,000 farmers across the country. However, this figure falls short of the national demand, which stands at approximately 50 million tons. Cassava is a staple food for over 75% of Cameroonians, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The Cameroonian government has set ambitious targets to increase cassava production and processing. By 2025, the goal was to reach a yield of 18 tons per hectare, and by 2030, the target is to produce 10 million tons annually with a yield of 20 tons per hectare. Currently, the national yield stands at 10-15 tons per hectare, significantly lower than that of other African countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which have yields of around 40 tons per hectare.
To address the issue of low yields and post-harvest losses, the government has launched a program to establish 200 cassava processing units across the country between 2026 and 2030. These units are expected to produce at least 600,000 tons of cassava flour per year. The initiative aims to reduce post-harvest losses, which currently stand at 40% of annual production, and increase the value added to the cassava sector.
Several cassava processing factories are being implemented across the country, including the Ngoulemakong factory in the South, which was commissioned in January 2024 with a daily capacity of 20 tons. Eight more factories are planned for implementation in various locations, including Banguem, Dibombari, Lobo, Batchenga, and Mvangan. These factories are expected to boost cassava processing and create jobs in the sector.
The development of the cassava sector is part of Cameroon's National Development Strategy (SND30) and import-substitution policy. The government aims to reduce the country's reliance on imported goods and promote local production and processing. The cassava sector has the potential to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and improve food security in the country.
Despite the progress made, challenges persist in the cassava sector, including the need for improved infrastructure, technology, and training for farmers and processors. The government and development partners must work together to address these challenges and unlock the full potential of the cassava sector in Cameroon.
The Cameroon Tribune was unable to access additional information on the financial and technical partners involved in the implementation of the cassava processing units and factories.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government aims to increase cassava production to 10 million tons annually by 2030.
- The government has launched a program to establish 200 cassava processing units across the country between 2026 and 2030.
- Cassava is a staple food for over 75% of Cameroonians, according to the FAO.
