In the cocoa plantations of southwest Cameroon, located in Muyuka, chef Orok John carefully inspects the young cocoa plants. In recent weeks, he has worked to find suitable treatments to combat pod diseases that are weakening his crops.
Local producers, like him, have become accustomed to selling their harvest in Nigeria rather than on the local market, due to competition between local and Nigerian buyers which has pushed up prices. Chef John highlights the importance of supporting local processing factories to produce chocolate on site, a practice already in place in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast, in order to increase the added value of cocoa and strengthen the local economy.
The scarcity of cocoa on the international market in recent weeks has pushed the price of a tonne to more than $10,000. This situation has had a considerable impact on the three main cocoa producing countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon, where supply is struggling to meet growing demand.
Several factors explain this shortage, including lack of crop quality and climate change. Indeed, many producers have neglected the maintenance of their plantations in recent years due to low cocoa prices, leading to lower yields. Furthermore, climatic disturbances such as unexpected heavy rains or the development of mold have also contributed to this alarming situation.
In Cameroon, the price of a kilogram of cocoa increased sevenfold in the space of a month, going from 900 to 7,000 francs. This sudden increase has disastrous consequences for local processors such as Hippolyte Nozawo Tchoffo, who are struggling to find enough raw materials to maintain their activity. Indeed, the high cost of cocoa is reflected in the final price of processed products, making them unaffordable for many local consumers.
Faced with this crisis, the government is committed to providing financial assistance to farmers so that they can produce quality cocoa that meets local and international standards. However, some processing companies have already suspended production pending an improvement in economic conditions. The latter are also demanding a refund of the export tax to alleviate their financial burdens and ensure their long-term survival.
In conclusion, the current cocoa crisis in Cameroon highlights the need to rethink the cocoa sector as a whole, by investing more in the modernization of plantations, the training of farmers and the promotion of local added value.. Only a collective effort and a long-term vision can overcome current challenges and guarantee the viability of this crucial industry for the country’s economy.