Cameroon stands at a pivotal crossroads in its agricultural development, particularly in dairy production. Despite recent gains, the country remains heavily reliant on imported dairy products, which strain national resources and limit local economic growth.
However, a strategic move toward importing high-yield cattle breeds, such as the Montbéliarde, offers a promising pathway to enhancing domestic milk production, reducing import dependence, and creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs and employment.
Current State of Cameroon’s Dairy Industry
Cameroon’s dairy sector has seen incremental improvements over recent years. According to official figures, milk production rose modestly from 173,900 tonnes in 2022 to 176,600 tonnes in 2023, a 2% increase.
Yet, this growth remains insufficient to meet domestic demand, estimated at approximately 296,600 tonnes annually, leaving a significant shortfall of nearly 120,000 tonnes.
This deficit compels the country to spend over 35 billion CFA francs annually on dairy imports, mainly powdered and condensed milk. The reliance on imports exposes Cameroon’s economy to global market fluctuations, foreign exchange volatility, and supply chain disruptions.
It also limits opportunities for local farmers and entrepreneurs who could otherwise benefit from increased milk consumption and processing.
Potential of Importing High-Yield Cattle Breeds
One of the most promising strategies to bridge this gap involves importing high-yield dairy cattle breeds, such as the Montbéliarde from France, which are renowned for their high milk production and adaptability.
Cameroon’s Livestock Development Project (Prodel), supported by the World Bank, has already made significant strides in this direction, acquiring 495 Montbéliarde heifers since January 2023 in three waves of 165 animals, starting from 2021.
Why Montbéliarde?
The Montbéliarde breed is favored globally for its impressive milk yield, averaging around 20 liters per cow daily, with potential improvements through technological advancements. Additionally, the breed’s adaptability to challenging climatic conditions makes it suitable for Cameroon’s diverse environments, including the Adamaoua, Far North, Centre, South and West regions.
Ismaïla Bello, CEO of Sahel Agro Consulting and a prominent breeder in Cameroon, attributes a 75% increase in milk output in the Adamaoua region to the integration of Montbéliarde cattle.
Farms that previously produced around 20 liters per day now report averages of 35 liters, demonstrating the breed’s transformative impact.
How Importing Breeds Can Reduce Dairy Imports
By increasing local milk production, Cameroon can gradually diminish its reliance on imported dairy products. The benefits are multi-fold.
Reduced expenditure on costly imports translates into significant savings of foreign exchange and improves trade balance while enhanced local milk production ensures a more stable, reliable supply of dairy products, less vulnerable to international market shocks.
Additionally, higher milk yields can stimulate the growth of local dairy processing industries, creating products that cater to domestic and regional markets.
Creating Jobs and Markets for Local Entrepreneurs
The importation and integration of high-yield cattle breeds catalyze the development of an entire ecosystem of opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Local farmers can acquire and breed imported cattle, expanding their herds and increasing milk production. This creates employment in cattle breeding, farm management, feeding, and health care.
With increased raw milk supply, entrepreneurs can establish or expand dairy processing plants to produce cheese, yogurt, butter and powdered milk. This value addition enhances profitability and market reach.
Growing herds require specialized feed and veterinary care, opening avenues for local feed manufacturers and animal health service providers.
Increased milk production supports a robust distribution network, creating jobs in logistics, transportation, wholesale and retail sectors.
Implementing technological improvements such as automated milking, quality control, and climate-resilient infrastructure generates demand for technicians, engineers, and service providers.
Challenges and Strategies Success
While importing high-yield breeds offers significant promise, there are challenges to address.
Imported breeds require proper acclimatization and management to thrive in local environments. Training farmers and breeding technicians is essential.
Secondly, ongoing genetic selection and breeding programs can optimize traits suited to Cameroon’s specific conditions.
Additionally, reliable water, feed, veterinary, and milking facilities are critical for maximizing breed performance.
It is also critical to support local entrepreneurs through financing, training and market access as all these ensure sustainable growth.
Policy Recommendations
To realize the full potential of imported cattle breeds in reducing dairy imports and boosting local economies, the Cameroonian government and development partners should consider scaling up breed importation and distribution among other measures.
Such measures include investing in training farmers, veterinarians and entrepreneurs on best practices for breed management, feeding and dairy processing as well as providing subsidies, credit facilities or grants to support local farmers in acquiring and maintaining improved breeds.
While Cameroon’s reliance on dairy imports remains a significant economic challenge, it also presents a unique opportunity. By importing high-yield cattle breeds like the Montbéliarde, the country can dramatically increase local milk production reduce its import bill and foster a thriving ecosystem of local entrepreneurs and job creation.
This strategic shift requires coordinated efforts among government agencies, development partners and local farmers. With proper management, investment and innovation, Cameroon can transform its dairy sector into a robust, self-sufficient industry that benefits farmers, processors, and consumers alike.
This, in turn, will pave the way for sustainable economic growth and food security in the years ahead.
