Cameroon's coffee sector has shown improvement in the 2024-2025 campaign, with national production reaching 11,637 tonnes, up from 10,592 tonnes the previous season. The East region, a significant contributor to the sector, has seen a boost in production, with major production hubs including Doumaintang and Mbouanz, which recorded nearly 1,268 tonnes, and Nguelemendouka, which reached around 951 tonnes. Other localities, such as Abong-Mbang, Messamena, and Dimako, also made modest contributions.
The Robusta variety dominates the East region, accounting for the majority of production, and its prices have seen a significant increase, rising from 1,500 F/kg in 2023-2024 to 1,959 F/kg. In contrast, the Arabica variety, which is less common in the region, is traded between 2,854 and 3,500 F/kg. This growth in production and prices has raised hopes for a boost in foreign exchange earnings for the national economy.
The Haut-Nyong department, considered the heart of the East region's coffee sector, has seen a surge in enthusiasm among producers, who see an opportunity to revive the sector after years of stagnation. However, despite this optimism, the sector faces significant challenges, including aging plantations, limited access to fertilizers, and deteriorating collection infrastructure.
The coffee sector in Cameroon continues to face structural constraints, including fragile cooperatives that struggle to cope with climate change and fluctuations in global prices. Producers are calling for improved conditions, including better access to fertilizers and infrastructure, to ensure the sector's long-term sustainability.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the sector's growth is threatened by the aging of plantations, which can lead to reduced yields and lower quality coffee. The ministry is working to address these challenges, but more needs to be done to ensure the sector's continued growth and development.
Stakeholders in the sector are intensifying efforts to revamp the coffee industry, including initiatives to improve production, processing, and marketing. These efforts aim to increase the sector's competitiveness and ensure that it can take advantage of growing demand for high-quality coffee.
Despite the challenges, Cameroon's coffee sector has shown resilience and adaptability, and with the right support and investment, it has the potential to become a major player in the global coffee market. The sector's future growth and development will depend on addressing the current challenges and seizing opportunities for innovation and improvement.
Key points
- Cameroon's coffee production has increased, but aging plantations and fragile infrastructure threaten sustainable growth.
- The sector faces structural constraints, including limited access to fertilizers and deteriorating collection infrastructure.
- Stakeholders are working to revamp the coffee industry, including initiatives to improve production, processing, and marketing.
