8 Reasons For The Agricultural Input Crisis in Cameroon

Due to the high cost of inputs including fertilizers, herbicides, seeds, and seedlings, Cameroon’s agricultural sector is currently experiencing significant difficulties. Food crops including cassava, potatoes, plantains, corn, and others that are necessary for the nation’s food security and poverty reduction are being negatively impacted by this circumstance in terms of production and profitability.

There are many reasons for the input crisis, including:

1. The Covid-19 epidemic and the continuing Ukraine-Russia war have disrupted the global value chain

Due to these circumstances, it is now more expensive and less plentiful to import inputs from outside. Since November 2021, Cameroon has been experiencing severe inflation, which the World Bank1 attributes primarily to a lack of and an increase in the price of basic commodities (bread, meat, vegetable oil, and wheat-related items).

2. The Southwest and Northwest regions are experiencing a security crisis.

These areas are significant food crop production basins, but since 2017, a separatist insurrection has been affecting them. This has interfered with the movement and safety of farmers and traders as well as the access to and distribution of inputs.

3. Climate change’s negative effects

Cameroon is susceptible to the effects of climate change, including pests, diseases, droughts, and flooding. The production and quality of crops have decreased as a result of these events, and the need for inputs to deal with them has increased.

4. Decreased income and production:

Many farmers have been deterred from making improvements to their operations or expanding due to the high cost of supplies. Despite the fact that this is a time of low harvest, the Central Bank Beac2 predicts a fall in the production of food crops in Q1 2023.
Production would also decrease year over year during this time due to manufacturers’ lack of enthusiasm as a result of the increase in input costs.

5. Growing poverty and food insecurity

 The availability and cost of food for many people, particularly in rural regions, have been impacted by the decreased output and income of food crops. Due to this, there is now a higher chance of experiencing hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and vulnerability.

6. Decreased production and revenue

The high cost of inputs has deterred many farmers from making improvements to their operations or expanding their operations. Although Q1 2023 is considered to be a low harvest period, the Central Bank Beac2 predicts a decline in food crop production during this time. Due to manufacturers’ lack of enthusiasm as a result of the increase in input costs, production would likewise decrease year over year during the time period.

7. Increased poverty and food insecurity

For many people, particularly in rural regions, the availability and cost of food have been impacted by the decreased production and profitability of food crops. Due to this, there is now a higher risk of poverty, vulnerability, hunger and malnutrition.

8. Reduced growth and competition

The cost of production has increased due to the high input prices, which has also decreased the profitability of food crops. This has had a negative impact on the agriculture industry in Cameroon, which accounts for around 20% of the country’s GDP and employs about 60% of the workforce.

The input problem poses a severe threat to the agriculture industry in Cameroon, which is crucial for ensuring food security, eradicating poverty, creating jobs, and fostering economic progress. All interested parties, including the government, business community, civil society, and development partners, must pay serious attention to it and take action. We can overcome this obstacle by working together to ensure a prosperous future for Cameroon’s agriculture

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