Cover_Rebuilding West Africas Food Potential

508 Rebuilding West Africa’s food potential

Consumption patterns

To put the above figures into a dynamic perspective, we compare results from both ECAM studies

carried out in 2001 and 2007. Table 2 presents figures for both 2001 and 2007 waves in Yaoundé

and Douala and deduces average annual growth rates (AAGR) of demand (waterfufu not covered in

the first wave). Regarding differences across income and social classes, they are roughly the same as

above reviewed. We note no significant changes in the market volume over this time frame and now

discuss substitution effects between processed products.

Gari

• Overall national decline in demand of 6 percent over the whole period, amounting to an average
  annual decline rate of 1 percent;


• Growth in urban demand in Douala and Yaoundé of a 5 percent AAGR. This growth pattern is
  driven by the lower income classes who represent 50 percent of total consumption. Demand has
  remained steady for the upper classes.

Fufu

• Household demand has remained steady at the national level (0.8 percent AAGR)


• Demand has declined in urban markets with a -1.2 percent AAGR in Douala and Yaoundé, the
  lower classes having kept their consumption levels at constant levels and representing 45 percent
  of the market value. The decline was driven by the upper class and the Douala market.

Household preferences

Demand in cassava by-products is a traditional component of Cameroon’s food consumption. This part

is based on Horus (2010) study. Cassava sticks are ready-to-eat products and frequently consumed all

year round, and by all household members, especially in urban areas. Fufu requires long preparation

times (half an hour), although households do not find preparing it to be a hassle and demand remains

substantial. Gari has advantages in terms of preparation, and is especially favored by children as a

sweet collation between meals. Fresh roots are also appreciated and consumed boiled, women are

skilled in recognizing the less acid varieties and in preparing them.

Table 2. Comparisons of household consumption in cassava processed products between 2001 and 2007

GARI FUFU

Gari

(2001)/

million

CFAF

Gari

(2007)/

million

CFAF

Growth

rate (2001-

2007) (%)

AAGR

(%)

Fufu

(2001)/

million

CFAF

Fufu

(2007)/

million

CFAF

Growth

rate

(2001-

2007) (%)

AAGR

(%)

Douala 621 930 49,8 462 370 -19,9

Yaoundé 444 502 13,1 661 676 2,3

Douala & Yaoundé 1065 1432 34,5 5 1123 1046 -6,9 -1,2

Cameroon 6192 5816 -6,1 -1 4479 4711 5,2 0,8

Sources: ECAM2 (2001)/ECAM3 (2007).