Two decades after pledging to allocate 10% of its national budget to agriculture under the 2003 Maputo Declaration, Cameroon has yet to meet this target. Despite the sector’s critical role in economic growth, rural development, and food security, the country consistently allocates less than 3% of its state budget to agriculture. This chronic underfunding has stunted progress in a sector vital to the livelihoods of millions of Cameroonians.
The Maputo Declaration: A Missed Opportunity
In 2003, African leaders, including representatives from Cameroon, signed the Maputo Declaration during an African Union Summit in Mozambique. The declaration aimed to revolutionize agriculture across the continent by committing at least 10% of national budgets to the sector. This investment was envisioned as a pathway to boost productivity, reduce poverty, and enhance food security.
Yet in Cameroon, the vision remains largely unfulfilled. Agricultural funding has consistently fallen short, with allocations below 3% of the national budget. This has hampered efforts to modernize farming practices, develop infrastructure, and empower smallholder farmers—the backbone of the sector. While some African nations have made significant strides in meeting the Maputo targets, Cameroon’s agricultural potential remains underutilized.
Economic Impact of Neglecting Agriculture
Cameroon’s failure to adequately fund agriculture has had profound consequences:
- Low Productivity: Outdated farming methods persist, resulting in low yields that fail to meet domestic demand. The lack of investment in research, modern technology, and quality inputs has left the sector stagnant.
- Dependence on Imports: Despite fertile soils and favorable climatic conditions, Cameroon imports large quantities of food, including rice, wheat, and fish. This dependence drains foreign reserves and leaves the economy vulnerable to global market shocks.
- Rural Poverty: Agriculture is the main source of livelihood for rural populations, yet underfunding perpetuates poverty. Farmers face challenges accessing credit, modern tools, and reliable markets.
- Missed Employment Opportunities: With limited growth in the agricultural sector, job creation has stagnated. This has driven rural youth to migrate to cities in search of work, exacerbating urban unemployment and social tensions.
Risks of Continued Neglect
If Cameroon’s agricultural sector remains underfunded, the consequences could worsen:
- Increased Food Insecurity: A growing population will place more pressure on food supply. Without significant investment, the risk of food insecurity and malnutrition will rise.
- Economic Weakness: Agriculture is a cornerstone of economic growth. Continued neglect will limit its contribution to GDP, undermining overall economic performance.
- Environmental Degradation: Insufficient funding for sustainable farming practices could accelerate deforestation, soil depletion, and other forms of environmental harm, further jeopardizing food production.
- Social Unrest: Persistent rural poverty and unemployment could fuel migration, social tensions, and unrest.
The Path Forward: Investing in Agriculture
To unlock the potential of its agricultural sector and meet its Maputo commitments, Cameroon’s government must take decisive action:
- Increase Budgetary Allocation: Dedicate at least 10% of the state budget to agriculture, prioritizing impactful and scalable initiatives.
- Modernize Farming Practices: Invest in technologies such as irrigation systems, mechanized tools, and agricultural research to enhance productivity and resilience.
- Develop Rural Infrastructure: Build and improve roads, storage facilities, and market access to reduce post-harvest losses and connect farmers to broader markets.
- Support Smallholder Farmers: Provide training, financial assistance, and access to quality seeds and fertilizers to empower farmers and boost production.
- Encourage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private investors and international organizations to inject innovation and funding into the sector.
A Call for Urgency
Cameroon’s agricultural sector holds the key to its economic transformation, food security, and rural development. Yet without strong political will and bold investment, the country risks falling further behind its peers. Honoring the 10% Maputo commitment is not merely a policy obligation—it is an urgent necessity for securing Cameroon’s future. By prioritizing agriculture, Cameroon can unlock sustainable growth and prosperity for its people.
