Cameroun and FIDA partnership yields strong agricultural output growth

On July 16, 2026, Yaoundé hosted a joint workshop between the Government of Cameroun and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (FIDA) to assess the outcomes of the Country Strategic Opportunities Program (COSOP) for 2019-2026 and lay the groundwork for the upcoming 2027-2032 program.

The COSOP framework guides FIDA’s investment priorities in Cameroun, focusing on improving living conditions for impoverished rural populations—particularly women and youth—through enhanced agricultural productivity.

The workshop served as a critical review of the 2019-2026 program, evaluating its implementation results and refining strategies to better align with national development goals, including the 2020-2030 National Development Strategy (SND30) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for Cameroun.

Key achievements in agricultural productivity and rural entrepreneurship

Sustainable productivity gains in smallholder and rural enterprises

The Sustainable increase in productivity and production of small agricultural holdings and rural enterprises pillar achieved a 98% implementation rate. A total of 139 cooperatives in rice and onion value chains, involving 10,505 producers (39% women and 49% youth), are now fully operational. The original target for 2024 was 10,000 members, with at least 50% of cooperatives led by women or youth.

All projects under this initiative incorporate environmental and social management plans. Notably, 99% of youth targeted by the Youth Agropastoral Entrepreneurship Program (PEA-Jeunes) adopted the recommended techniques—double the expected 50% adoption rate. However, progress on hydro-agricultural land development for rice and onion production fell short: only 649 hectares were developed (43% of the 1,600-hectare target).

Rice and onion production targets exceeded in key regions

In the second phase of the Agricultural Development Support Program (PADFA II), 60% of beneficiaries reported a 50% increase in lowland rice yields, reaching 3.7 tons per hectare (74% of the 5-ton target). Upland rice yields averaged 2.5 tons per hectare (63% of the 4-ton goal). Onion production achieved 18 tons per hectare (86% of the 21-ton objective).

Overall, PADFA II contributed to a 70.38% realization rate for paddy rice production, with 52,996 tons harvested against a target of 74,750 tons. Onion bulb production reached 45,000 tons, meeting 52.47% of the 85,562-ton forecast.

Climate-smart agriculture and policy reforms gain momentum

The Adoption of ecosystem-based guidelines for climate-smart practices pillar achieved a 100% implementation rate, supporting the national climate action plan. A strategic plan for 17 reforms was finalized, alongside an early draft of the agropastoral sector orientation law for Cameroun. Additionally, three new strategies were developed to promote bamboo restoration policies.

Program timeline and future outlook

The 2019-2026 COSOP, initially approved in 2019, was extended to December 31, 2026, following a mid-term review in July 2021. The upcoming 2027-2032 program will build on these achievements to further strengthen agricultural resilience and rural livelihoods in Cameroun.