Cameroon-FIDA partnership boosts agricultural output with new rural development strategies
The Cameroun-FIDA strategic cooperation framework has achieved remarkable progress in agricultural productivity, as highlighted during a high-level review meeting in Yaoundé on July 16, 2026. The event focused on evaluating the 2019-2026 Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) and laying groundwork for the next 2027-2032 phase.
COSOP 2019-2026 delivers strong results in rural development
The Fonds international de développement agricole (FIDA) has supported Cameroon’s rural development agenda through targeted investments in smallholder farms, youth entrepreneurship, and women-led cooperatives. These initiatives align with the country’s National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.
The July 16 workshop assessed the 98% completion rate of the Sustainable productivity and production growth for small farms and rural enterprises pillar. This component benefited 139 cooperatives in rice and onion value chains, involving 10,505 farmers—39% women and 49% youth. The target was to enroll at least 10,000 members by 2024, with women and youth leading 50% of these structures.
All projects incorporated environmental and social management plans. The Youth Agropastoral Entrepreneurship Programme (PEA-Jeunes) surpassed expectations, with 99% of targeted youth adopting improved farming techniques, exceeding the 50% forecast.
Mixed progress in hydro-agricultural infrastructure
While the rice and onion production initiatives showed positive trends, hydro-agricultural development fell short of targets. Only 649 hectares of the planned 1,600 hectares were developed for irrigation, achieving 43% completion.
The Phase II Agricultural Value Chain Support Programme (PADFA II) delivered promising results:
- Lowland rice yields increased from 3.7 to 5 tonnes per hectare (74% of the 5-tonne target), while upland rice reached 2.5 tonnes per hectare (63% of the 4-tonne goal).
- Onion production averaged 18 tonnes per hectare, nearing the 21-tonne target (86% completion).
Overall, 52,996 tonnes of paddy rice were produced against a 74,750-tonne target (70.38% completion), while 45,000 tonnes of onions were harvested against a 85,562-tonne goal (52.47% completion).
Climate-smart agriculture and policy reforms achieve full implementation
The Ecosystem-based adaptation and climate-smart practices component reached 100% completion, supporting the National Climate Plan. Key achievements include:
- A strategic plan for 17 reforms in the agropastoral sector.
- An advance draft law on agropastoral orientation.
- Three new strategies to bolster bamboo restoration policies.
The COSOP 2019-2026 was initially approved in 2019 and extended to December 31, 2026, following a mid-term review in July 2021.
Next steps: Shaping Cameroon’s 2027-2032 agricultural agenda
With the current phase nearing completion, discussions are underway to refine priorities for the 2027-2032 COSOP. The focus will remain on scaling up successful models, enhancing climate resilience, and deepening public-private partnerships to sustain rural economic growth.
