Cameroun-FIDA partnership drives surge in farming output

The Cameroun–FIDA agricultural cooperation program has delivered remarkable results, as confirmed during a high-level review held in Yaoundé on July 16, 2026. The joint workshop assessed progress under the Country Strategic Options Program (COSOP) spanning 2019-2026 while laying groundwork for the 2027-2032 phase.

The FIDA-backed initiatives targeted rural poverty alleviation, with special focus on empowering women and youth through sustainable agricultural development. The program’s core objective aligned with Cameroun‘s National Development Strategy 2020-2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework.

Major agricultural breakthroughs recorded

Under the sustainable productivity enhancement pillar, the program achieved 98% of its targets:

• 139 cooperatives (rice and onion sectors) became operational, supporting 10,505 farmers (39% women, 49% youth)
• 99% of targeted youth adopted improved agropastoral techniques in the PEA-Jeunes initiative
• Environmental and social management plans were implemented across all projects

Mixed progress on hydro-agricultural development

The program aimed to develop 1,600 hectares of hydro-agricultural land for rice and onion production but achieved only 649 hectares (43% completion). Officials attributed this to weather challenges and logistical constraints.

Rice production milestones

The PADFA II program delivered impressive results:

• Lowland rice yield: 3.7 tons/hectare (74% of 5-ton target)
• Upland rice yield: 2.5 tons/hectare (63% of 4-ton target)
• Total paddy production: 52,996 tons (70.38% of 74,750-ton target)

Onion production reached 18 tons/hectare (86% of 21-ton target), with total bulb output at 45,000 tons (52.47% of 85,562-ton projection).

Climate-smart agriculture advances

The ecosystem-based adaptation program achieved 100% completion, including:

• Development of a strategic plan for 17 reforms
• Draft law on agropastoral sector orientation
• Three strategic documents supporting bamboo restoration policies

Program extension approved

In 2019, Cameroun and FIDA launched the COSOP covering 2019-2024, later extended to December 31, 2026 following a mid-term review in July 2021. This extension reflects the program’s demonstrated impact on rural livelihoods.

The upcoming COSOP 2027-2032 phase will build on these achievements while addressing implementation challenges identified in the current cycle.