Chapter 4. The case of Cameroon 133
The official intervention of the state is organized around seven strategic pillars:
Sustainably develop production and supply of agricultural products;
Sustainably manage natural resources;
Promote local and community development;
Develop appropriate funding mechanisms;
Develop employment and vocational training in agriculture;
Manage food insecurity risks;
Develop the institutional framework.
This strategy document is currently being revised to be consistent with the Strategy Document for
Growth and Jobs, which is the national framework for economic and social development. It remains the
most relevant basis of analysis to assess the government’s actions and how they contribute allieviating
the greatest constraints in the agricultural sector such as capitalization, access to means of production
and marketing products at profitable prices.
3.2 Support measures for agricultural commodities in Cameroon
A. The gap between food crop production and the population growth rate
After reaching a peak of 5.9 percent in 2007, the primary sector growth rate fell to 2.7 percent in 2009.
The population growth rate (3.4 percent) is higher than the food production growth rate (2.8 percent).
Following the food crisis that was the cause of the February 2008 riots, the government proposed an
emergency plan to boost agricultural production in consumer products: maize, rice, cassava, potato,
oil palm and plantain. Accompanying measures focused on making seeds and seedlings available to
farmers, supporting product marketing and warehouse and storage construction.
In 2009, the agricultural sub-sector accounted for approximately 75.6 percent of the primary sector
with food crops making up 68.8 percent and export products 6.8. The food products market, however,
continues to show pressure on prices. The food price index rose by 13.6 percent in 2009 as opposed to
6.3 percent in 2008. This is due to the high cost of transport (bad roads) and the demand pressure from
neighboring countries (Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea).
Cameroon still remains dependent on maize imports with 427 288 tonnes in 2009 against 470 947
tonnes in 2007 and 429 864 tons in 2006, representing a total budget of 87 billion XAF. Cassava,
plantain and maize production has increased significantly since 2005, following the implementation
of specific support programs; however the quantity of main food products remained almost stagnant
while the 19 million-strong current population continues to grow rapidly.. 5
(^5) The growth rate in 2010 was 2.6 percent.