The decision to invest in agriculture in Cameroon could not be a better one to make for an investor. To invest in Agricultural in Cameroon, the scope of the agribusiness in Cameroon, agro-industrial investments in Cameroon, the steps to invest in agriculture in Cameroon, and the areas to invest in agriculture in Cameroon must be carefully examined. The title Africa in Miniature explains the diversity of resources Cameroon presents to any person wishing to benefit from agricultural investment in Cameroon, the areas to invest in agriculture.
To invest in agriculture in Cameroon, the strategic position Cameroon occupies in the Gulf of Guinea and the breadbasket role she plays for countries in the Economic and Monetary Community of Central African States, and neighboring Nigeria with over 200 million inhabitants must be taken into consideration. This analysis guides the scope of agro-investments in Cameroon.
The government of Cameroon has established incentives to boost agribusiness in Cameroon and encourage any person wishing to invest in agriculture in Cameroon. This explains why the government of Cameroon has put in place incentives to invite, encourage, support and promote agro-investments in Cameroon in a bid to sustain the growing population as well as supply the regional and international market.
The climatic conditions of Cameroon alongside the multitude of different soil types have enhanced better success for agricultural investments in Cameroon. Both conditions also illustrate the areas to invest in agriculture for specific products.
AREAS TO INVEST IN CAMEROON
To invest in agriculture in Cameroon, an interested investor must understand the geographic and climatic conditions of Cameroon. This is because Cameroon has 10 regions with each having its climatic and soil specificity. Each of these regions present areas to invest in agriculture for specific crop types.
As such, to invest in agriculture in Cameroon, an investor will have to ascertain the nature of the agribusiness in Cameroon vis a vis the climate and soil type per region. This is also done with agric- experts.
AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT IN CAMEROON
This will depend first on the nature of the agribusiness in Cameroon and second on the style of the agricultural investment in Cameroon.
As regards the nature of the agribusiness in Cameroon, it will entail a choice to be made based on cash crop production, food crop production or livestock/fishery investment. The major cash crops in Cameroon include but not limited to; cocoa, coffee, rubber, palm oil and kernel, cotton etc. the major food crops in Cameroon include but not limited to; plantains, maize, cocoyams, yams, potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava etc. as regards fruit crops, we have pineapple, oranges, grapes, lemon, watermelon, papaya, mangos etc.
The style of the agricultural investment in Cameroon is envisaged in 2 facets;
First, the form of the activity. In this line, we look at forms of agricultural investments like a sole proprietor, a partnership, a company, and industry, a factory, etc.
Second, we consider the methodology of the agribusiness in Cameroon. In this regard we look at agricultural investments aimed at;
- The primary stage production,
- The secondary stage production,
- The tertiary stage production, or
- Ventures which cut across all the stages of production and the value chain.
STEPS TO INVEST IN AGRICULTURE IN CAMEROON
These steps are as follows;
- Purchase/Lease of Land,
- Establish a form of investment (sole proprietorship, partnership, company etc.)
- Hire experts according to the nature of the investment,
- Hire or purchase equipment to be used for the venture,
- Establish a good marketing plan,
- Establish an effective supply chain network.
Agribusiness in Cameroon is very lucrative. The success is dependent on the style and method used for the agricultural investment in Cameroon.