Cameroon increases milk production by 2% but continues to face deficit

CAMEROON – Cameroon’s milk production saw a modest rise of 2% in 2023, reaching 176,600 tons compared to 173,900 tons in 2022, according to a report from the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries.

The increase was attributed to government-led revitalization efforts, private sector involvement, and the importation of high-yield dairy cows.

Despite this progress, the country continues to face a significant milk production deficit of around 120,000 tons annually, forcing it to rely heavily on dairy imports to meet domestic demand.

In response to this persistent shortfall, the Cameroonian government has taken steps to increase local production by importing 495 Montbéliarde dairy cows from France between 2020 and 2023.

These cows, known for producing up to 40 liters of milk per day and their adaptability to the hot climate, were imported through the Livestock Development Project (Prodel), which is funded by the World Bank.

The objective of this initiative is to enhance the country’s dairy output and gradually reduce its dependency on costly foreign imports.

In line with these efforts, the Ministry of Livestock approved a comprehensive strategic plan in June 2024 aimed at transforming Cameroon’s dairy sector over the next decade.

The plan, which runs from 2024 to 2035 and is valued at CFA305.7 billion, aims to boost national milk production from less than 200,000 tons currently to over 1.1 million tons by 2035.

The target is part of a broader government strategy to enhance milk self-sufficiency, reduce the financial burden of imports, and strengthen the domestic dairy sector.

According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS), Cameroon imported 20,596 tons of milk and derivatives in 2023, worth CFA40.6 billion, along with an additional 17,217 tons of powdered or concentrated milk for CFA35 billion.

These figures highlighted the heavy reliance on imported dairy products, despite efforts to bolster local production. The government assured that initiatives like Prodel, combined with long-term strategic investments, will help reduce the need for imports and address the annual production deficit.

However, challenges persist. The rising cost of dairy products has been a concern, with prices increasing by 10.7% in 2022.

The National Institute of Statistics has forecasted that this inflationary trend will continue through 2023. Nestlé, through its popular Nido brand, remains a major player in Cameroon’s dairy industry, dominating the market and catering to growing consumer demand.

The country’s retail sector, driven by small local grocers and supermarkets, remains the primary sales channel for dairy products.

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