The Cameroonian government has made significant strides in scaling up the production and transformation of cassava into diverse finished products. For decades, cassava was mainly seen as a food source to keep families fed, with most of it being eaten fresh or made into traditional local dishes. However, the government has now identified cassava as a priority crop, aiming to empower local producers and ensure import substitution with locally grown and processed food.
According to Fonge Percy, a large-scale producer, farmers across the country harvested millions of tons of cassava every year, but most of it was lost before it could reach major markets due to its volatile and perishable nature. The country was also spending billions of FCFA importing foreign wheat flour for bread, creating a huge gap between what local farms produced and what the national economy needed.
Official formal exports of cassava derivatives from Cameroon remained relatively modest in 2025, at roughly 1,400 to 1,500 metric tons, valued at approximately FCFA 879 million to 938 million. Despite producing over 10 million metric tons of fresh cassava annually, the country's processing capacity was limited, leading to significant losses. To address this, the government collaborated with international partners like the African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank.
The government has offered tax exemptions on equipment used to make local flour and worked with commercial bakeries to mix high-quality cassava flour for bread and pastries. The goal is to help farmers double their yields and increase the production of cassava derivatives. Additionally, projects like the Agriculture Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Project (AIVDP) have provided local farming groups with motorized graters, hydraulic presses, and specialized dryers.
The construction of processing facilities in rural farming communities has also been a key part of the government's strategy. These facilities have enabled farmers to process their cassava into more durable products, reducing losses and increasing the availability of cassava derivatives in the market. As a result, the government aims to increase the production and processing of cassava, creating new opportunities for local producers and contributing to the country's economic growth.
The National Development Strategy (SND30) has played a crucial role in the government's efforts to boost cassava production and processing. By prioritizing cassava and other key crops, the government aims to achieve import substitution and increase the country's food security. The strategy also seeks to empower local producers and promote sustainable agricultural practices, contributing to the country's long-term economic development.
As the government continues to implement its strategy, the impact on the cassava sector is expected to be significant. With increased processing capacity and new opportunities for local producers, the country's cassava industry is poised for growth. The government's efforts to promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower local producers will be crucial in ensuring the long-term success of the sector.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government has identified cassava as a priority crop, aiming to empower local producers and ensure import substitution with locally grown and processed food.
