Cameroon has placed agriculture at the center of its economic and social development strategy from 2018 to 2025. Employing 55% of the active population according to the 2020 census and involving nearly two million agricultural households, the sector contributed around 20% to GDP, according to updated 2023 World Bank data.
Cassava production stabilized at about 5.34 million tons per year, maintaining its role as a staple food. Potatoes expanded more strongly than expected, rising 32% from 408,000 tons in 2018 to 540,000 tons in 2022. Sweet potatoes followed with an 18% increase from 520,000 tons to 615,000 tons in the same period.
Export crops declined. Plantain production dropped 10% from 4.5 million tons in 2018 to 4.05 million tons in 2022. Pineapple contracted by 11% from 252,000 tons to 225,000 tons.
Agricultural GDP data shows fluctuation, ranging between 204 billion CFA francs (US$334 million) in early 2018 and 459 billion CFA francs (US$751 million) in mid-2022, with an average of 314 billion CFA francs (US$514 million). Climate variability and commodity price changes influenced this performance.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development focused on modernization with support programs for key crops such as cassava. Mechanization advanced with the acquisition of 1,000 tractors funded by the African Development Bank and the creation of 200 community workshops between 2021 and 2024. Seed distribution also expanded, while cassava and potato seed programs were strengthened with the Ministry of Scientific Research.
Access to finance improved with the National Agricultural Guarantee Fund, launched in 2022, now covering 12% of farmers with a target of 25% by 2026. More than 1,800 kilometers of rural roads have been rehabilitated since 2021, improving connections for fruit and vegetable markets.
Projections for 2025 target consolidation in cassava and potato volumes, as well as diversification into market gardening. Government plans include the installation of drip and sprinkler irrigation across 50,000 hectares and the expansion of regional processing for cassava to reduce the import bill by 12%.
The 2025 campaign, launched by Minister Gabriel Mbairobe on April 26, emphasized climate and social issues. He projected a future agriculture that is "technological, responsible, and value-generating." One example is the Central Plain Project, which will secure and develop 400,000 hectares of arable land. The pilot phase of 45,000 hectares, launched in 2024, is expected to alter the country's agricultural structure and consolidate outcomes from the 2018–2025 period.
Source: Business in Cameroon