Cameroon develops cassava hubs to reduce wheat imports

agro-industrial hubs in key cassava-producing regions. These hubs will provide farmland, seed multiplication fields, small processing units, and training for women’s groups. The government has announced plans for up to 20 hubs, though only a few are currently operational. A pilot site in Mbangassina, in the Centre region, has allocated land to women’s cooperatives, with construction of a processing unit underway. Cameroon imports approximately 800,000 tonnes of wheat annually, costing CFA 178 billion (US$288 million) in 2023, according to Business in Cameroon. Cassava, widely cultivated across the country, could serve as a cost-effective alternative. Officials state that incorporating up to 15% cassava flour into bread and pastries could reduce imports and support local farmers. Each cassava hub is expected to employ hundreds of women directly, with additional jobs created in logistics and trade, potentially generating over 10,000 jobs overall. Despite ambitious plans, challenges ...