Cameroon-FIDA partnership boosts rural farm output
The Cameroun–FIDA collaboration has achieved remarkable progress in agricultural productivity, as highlighted during a joint review held in Yaoundé on July 16, 2026. The event marked the conclusion of the 2019-2026 Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) and set the stage for the next phase (2027-2032).
Under the 2019-2026 COSOP, the FIDA focused on empowering rural communities—particularly women and youth—through targeted investments in small-scale farming and agribusiness. The programme’s primary aim was to enhance food security and improve livelihoods across Cameroun’s rural landscapes.
Key achievements in agricultural productivity
The review revealed strong progress in several priority areas:
- Smallholder productivity surge: A 98% implementation rate was recorded in the programme’s flagship initiative to boost productivity in rice and onion farming. This involved 139 cooperatives, engaging 10,505 farmers—39% women and 49% youth. The original target was 10,000 members, with at least half led by women and youth.
- Youth agribusiness training: The PEA-Jeunes programme exceeded expectations, with 99% of participating young farmers adopting new techniques, surpassing the 50% target.
- Agricultural expansion challenges: While hydro-agricultural land development for rice and onion production reached 43% (649 hectares out of 1,600 planned), the initiative faced delays in scaling up infrastructure.
- Rice and onion yields on the rise:
- Lowland rice production increased to 3.7 tonnes per hectare (74% of the 5-tonne target).
- Upland rice reached 2.5 tonnes per hectare (63% of the 4-tonne target).
- Onion production hit 18 tonnes per hectare (86% of the 21-tonne target).
- National climate resilience: The programme fully adopted ecosystem-based adaptation guidelines, aligning with Cameroun’s climate action plan. A draft law for the agropastoral sector and three strategic bamboo restoration policies were developed.
Strategic investments and future outlook
The 2019-2026 COSOP, initially set to end in 2024, was extended to December 2026 to ensure continuity. The FIDA’s support prioritized gender inclusivity and youth engagement, with women leading nearly half of the participating cooperatives.
Looking ahead, the upcoming COSOP 2027-2032 will build on these gains, refining strategies to align with Cameroun’s National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The partnership underscores the transformative potential of targeted agricultural investments in West Africa, offering a model for sustainable rural development.
