Some cocoa farmers in Cameroon’s South West region, renowned for producing premium-quality cocoa, have received 406 million FCFA in financial support.
On Thursday, August 28, in Buea, the Minister of Commerce, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, handed over the funds. However, the assistance came with conditions.
Government Requests Support for President Biya
According to a statement from the Ministry of Commerce’s official Facebook page, the minister, after presenting the funds, “also invited the cocoa farming community, in return for this goodwill, to return the favour to the President of the Republic when the time comes.”
The statement failed to specify how or when the favour would return. The presidential election is set for October 12, and President Paul Biya aims for an eighth term.
“The reaction of the thousands of producers present at the ceremony was immediate, indicating that their choice was unequivocal and that they would prove it in the coming weeks,” the ministry added.
Minister Mbarga Atangana further reassured young people that they “could trust President Paul Biya to secure their future.”
The Buea ceremony followed similar events in Ntui, Obala, Makénéné, Botmakak, Ndom, and Nyanon, targeting farmers who produced premium-quality cocoa during the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 farming seasons.
Cameroon Cocoa Farmers “Best Paid in the World”
At the event, Minister Mbarga Atangana highlighted key developments in the cocoa sector. He revealed that the 406 million FCFA premium paid to Southwest producers is in addition to the 416 billion FCFA they earned from cocoa sales during the 2023/2024 campaign.
“Thanks to the government’s role on the international stage under President Paul Biya, cocoa producers are finally entitled to substantial remuneration,” the minister said.
He emphasized that Cameroonian producers now benefit from international support, with the global chocolate industry recognizing the quality of Cameroonian cocoa. A producer-focused tax policy, unique to Cameroon among comparable countries, also contributes to higher earnings.
“All these actions combined,” the minister added, “mean that Cameroonian producers are now the best-paid in the world, with farmgate prices nearly double those paid to producers in other countries, particularly during the last two marketing years.”
Farmers Welcome Timely Financial Relief
The farmers described the funds as a welcome relief, especially with the school year approaching. They noted that the support would help them plan for their children’s education.
They also highlighted the significant increase in premiums, stating it will drive continuous improvement in cocoa quality and boost production levels.
A representative of the producers expressed gratitude to the government and hoped that the upward price trend would continue. Farmers also praised measures facilitating exports to Nigeria, a key and lucrative market for Cameroonian cocoa.
South West Regains Its Cocoa Leadership
Historically, the Southwest region was Cameroon’s top cocoa producer. However, ongoing armed conflict caused it to drop to third place.
Over the last two years, global cocoa prices have surged, with prices rising from 400 FCFA per kilogram to above 5000 FCFA per kilogram.
This dramatic increase has encouraged some farmers who had abandoned their farms to return, helping the Southwest reclaim its position as the country’s leading cocoa-producing region.
