Challenges of Agricultural Cooperatives and Prospects to Improve the Cassava Value Chain in the South West Region of Cameroon

Lewis Dopgima Levai^1*, Ekwa Yawa Monono^1,2, Richard N. Molua³, Marie Estelle Ines Ebobisse¹, Erasmus Nchuaji Tang⁴, Joseph Aime Lauryn Bahoya ¹, Awa-Mengi Sama Levai⁵, Besong Ntui Ogork³ and Francis Ajebesone Ngome⁴

¹JP Johnson Biotechnology Laboratory, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Ekona, PMB 25 Buea, Cameroon

² Department of Plant Science, University of Buea PO Box 63 Buea, Cameroon

³ Agriculture Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Project (AIVDP), PO Box 336 Buea, Cameroon.

⁴Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) Nkolbisson, BP 2123 Yaoundé Cameroon.

⁵Rice Value Chain and Development Project, PO Box 1116 Bamenda, Cameroon.

*Corresponding author e-mail: doplevai@yahoo.co.uk

(Received: 11/08/2024; Revised: 25/09/2024; Accepted: 01/11/2024; Published: 10/12/2024)

ABSTRACT

This article explores the challenges faced by agricultural cooperatives in the South West Region of Cameroon, with a particular focus on the cassava value chain. Cassava plays a significant role in the Region’s agricultural sector, serving as a vital staple crop and a source of income for many smallholder farmers. However, despite its importance, cooperatives engaged in cassava production and processing encounter numerous obstacles that hinder their productivity and overall development. This article analyses the key challenges faced by these cooperatives and proposes prospects for enhancing the cassava value chain. The study draws on the insights obtained from four workshops organised by the Agricultural Infrastructure and Value Chain Development Project (AIVDP) held in the towns of Kumba, Limbe, Mundemba, and Tombel. In each of the workshops, 25 cooperatives were invited – each represented by two members. By examining the cooperative system’s limitations and identifying potential strategies for improvement, this article aims to contribute to the sustainable development of the cassava sector in the South West Region of Cameroon.

Keywords: Agricultural cooperatives, cassava value chain, challenges, prospects.