Crop Production in the CEMAC Region Set for Upsurge

Published 2021년 4월 30일

According to reports from the Bank of Central African States (BEAC), the CEMAC region, which includes Cameroon, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo, will record an upsurge in crop production during Q2 of 2021. The production boost is attributed to the abundance of short-cycle food products in Cameroon. Tridge interviewed Franck May, the Deputy Manager of Agrofoodhot Farmers Sarl in Cameroon, to gain insight into the agricultural upturn in the country.

Increased production in Cameroon

Sweet potato farm

According to the BEAC, during Q2 of 2021, which covers the period from April to June 2021, Cameroonian farmers will increase their production of products such as yams, cassava, sweet potatoes, ginger, corn, and bananas. According to ASSOBACAM, the national banana association in Cameroon, the country exported over 20K tons of bananas in March 2021, an increase of 31.17%, year on year. Agrofoodhot Farmers Sarl has been working with local banana farmers in Cameroon, and May states that they have noticed an upturn in production and exports this season.

“There is a lot of demand for bananas this year, and we have successfully managed to export 200 tons in the first quarter of the year. Grains have also been performing well on our end.” May explained.

Agrofood Farmers Sarl has developed a unique business model centered around working hand in hand with local farmers. Most short-cycle crops are farmed by small-scale farmers who need assistance in selling their products to the global market.

“We help local banana farmers distribute and sell their crops to the international market. We have different arrangements with each farmer. For some farmers, we buy their crops and sell them to buyers. Our arrangement with others is that we help them stock their products and sell them. While for other farmers, we help facilitate trade through our agents in our distinctive markets.” May explained.

Fresh ginger

Market Impact

According to the BEAC, Cameroonian exports will increase this year, mainly to neighboring countries such as Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Countries in the CEMAC region, which usually purchase Cameroonian food products, will benefit from this improvement in Cameroon’s agricultural production. May also explains that food exports to regions outside Africa are forecast to improve.

“Our main market is the Middle East, especially the UAE. Starting in June, we will start exporting 3 40ft containers of onions, ginger, and sweet potatoes to that region.” May concluded.