The cotton VC makes a significant contribution to economic growth, public finances and the balance of trade of Cameroon. The activities are profitable for all agents, except for CICAM. On average, cotton provides producers with income that corresponds to almost six months of the Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage.
Why is cotton important in Cameroon?
In a context of strong demographic growth, persistent insecurity and growing conflicts between farmers and transhumant livestock farmers, cotton is of major economic importance in the northern part of the country, the poorest region. Cameroon is the fifth largest exporter of cotton fibre in Africa, and 12th internationally.
Is cotton a sustainable sector in Cameroon?
Considered a promising sector by the ‘Programme National d’Investissement Agricole (PNIA)’ and the ‘Stratégie de Développement du Secteur Rural’ (SDSR), cotton is also part of the Cameroon Industrialisation Master Plan and Sustainable Development Strategy.
What is the yield of seed cotton in Africa?
The yield of seed cotton is the highest of Francophone Africa (almost 1,400kg/ha). Producers difer according to the size of their cotton production area (Table 1). The VC experienced a sharp drop in production between 2004 and 2010, after opportunistic producers abandoned it following the default of loan repayments.