Analysis of the Performance of Rice Producers in Cameroon

This study, which aimed to analyze the performance of rice producers in Cameroon, is inspired by the observation that the expense linked to the importation of rice has a very negative influence on the Cameroonian trade balance. Although the state injects significant financial resources to boost local production, to carry it out, we set ourselves the objectives of carrying out a cross-analysis of the evolution of rice production in Cameroon, with the evolution of yields, cultivated areas, and rural populations. The regions covered were those of the Far North, North, West, and Center, which produce most of the rice in Cameroon. Individually, 50 questionnaires were administered randomly to the producers met, including 30 in Yagoua, 10 in Lagdo, and 10 in Mora. At the joint initiative group (JIG) producer level, an interview guide made it possible to collect information from managers; five GICs were interviewed in Yagoua, two in Mora, and five in Lagdo. The analysis of the data made it possible to conclude that rice cultivation is an activity which does not develop spontaneously in a region, but it needs significant support to be boosted. Although it is clearly established that it would be more interesting for Cameroon to invest in the production of improved, high-yielding seeds, it remains necessary to develop and rehabilitate cultivable areas which constitute an imperative for production and may be possible. The country also faces the problem of rural exodus, which means that the workforce needed to produce is not sufficiently available. Finally, it appears that rice from traditional areas is the least profitable with the most negative gross margin, followed by rainfed rice, then rice from irrigated areas of SEMRY which particularly suffers from the very high cost of fertilizers, and finally by the rice of the flooded lowlands. Several recommendations were therefore made to enable Cameroon to truly boost its local production.