Cameroon is in the process of formulating a comprehensive growth strategy for its dairy sector. The National Conference of Cameroon Stockbreeders (Cnbe-Cam) submitted this strategic plan to Dr. Taïga, the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries (Minepia), on August 18 in Yaoundé. The proposed measures are aimed at enhancing local milk and dairy production, which currently stands at approximately 185,570 tons annually. This comes in response to the existing low production levels, as the country faces an annual shortfall of over 120,000 tons.
An examination of the milk sector has unveiled challenges directly faced by breeders, hindering them from tapping into the sector’s potential. Notably, Cameroon continues to import milk and dairy products worth 30 billion F.CFA annually. These challenges include difficulties in accessing dairy genetic resources, inadequate support for dairy producers, and challenges in obtaining necessary inputs and suitable funding. Issues within the supply chain and marketing further impact the interests of stakeholders.
Breeders have proposed initiatives such as organizing milk and dairy product fairs, streamlining the labeling process for local dairy products, and emphasizing vocational training for roles within the dairy sector, particularly through municipal training institutions.
In light of the opportunities at hand, the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries underscores the government’s aspiration for a self-sufficient dairy sector that benefits producers and contributes to economic prosperity. Dr. Taïga encourages breeders to present viable and feasible projects to secure funding. In this context, the German cooperation and the European Union are collaborating with the government to provide both technical expertise and financial support.
Notably, since 2020, the government has imported two batches of Montbéliarde cows from France, totaling 495 units, as part of the Livestock Development Project (Prodel) funded by the World Bank with an investment of up to $134.15 million, approximately 78.4 billion CFA francs. The aim of this initiative is to bolster the country’s milk production capacity.
