Immersing yourself in Cameroon 's coffee culture and production is a fascinating journey that combines history, tradition, and passion for one of the world's most beloved beverages. Located in western Central Africa, Cameroon is home to a rich coffee heritage that spans generations and is intertwined with the daily lives of its inhabitants.
From the rugged mountains of the west to the fertile lowlands of the south, coffee has left an indelible mark on Cameroon's cultural and economic identity. This country, with its geographical and climatic diversity, It offers the perfect setting for growing a variety of coffees, from the mild and aromatic Arabica to the more robust and vigorous Robusta.
In this article, we'll explore the deep connection between Cameroon and coffee, from its humble beginnings during the colonial era to its current role in the global coffee scene.
Coffee Culture and Production in Cameroon
Coffee cultivation in Cameroon has a rich history dating back to 1884, during the German colonial era. The Germans established trial gardens in several regions, including Victoria, Ebolowa, Nkongsamba, and Dschang, as part of their efforts to develop the coffee industry in the region. Over time, cultivation expanded to other areas, including Yokadouma, Abong-Mbang, Doumé, Lomié, and Akonolinga.
During its peak in 1990, Cameroon experienced high coffee production, resulting in record exports of 156,000 tons, ranking the country twelfth in the world. However, in subsequent years, production declined, attributed in part to government policies and the global economic crisis. Faced with this situation, the government sought advice from Brazilian experts and allocated 750 million CFA francs, approximately US$1.5 million, over a five-year period as part of an aid package.
Coffee Production in Cameroon
Coffee is grown in seven regions of Cameroon, including West, Northwest, Littoral, Southwest, South, Center, and East. The Bamileke and Bamaoun regions are home to Arabica coffee plantations, while Robusta, the dominant variety, is grown at mid-altitudes in the West Region and, to a lesser extent, in Abang Mbang Mbang. Cameroon has government projects aimed at boosting coffee production, overseen by the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, as well as Scientific Research and Innovation.
According to statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), coffee production in 2013 reached 41,800 tons on an area of 212,000 hectares, with a yield of 1,972 hectograms per hectare. During the 2007-08 period, more than 40% of total green coffee exports went to Italy, with robusta exported primarily to Belgium, Portugal, and France, and arabica exported primarily to Germany, the United States, and Italy.
In Cameroon, two main types of coffee are grown: Arabica and Robusta.
Arabica Coffee: This type of coffee is grown in the mountainous regions of western Cameroon, such as Mount Cameroon and the Adamawa Mountains. These areas offer ideal climatic and soil conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee. Arabica coffee is known for its smooth flavor, floral aroma, and complex notes, and is highly valued in the specialty coffee market.
Robusta Coffee: Robusta coffee is grown in Cameroon's southern lowlands and in some regions of the Western Region. Although robusta is a more dominant crop in the country, it is also found at mid-altitudes in certain areas. Robusta coffee is prized for its stronger flavor, fuller body, and higher caffeine content compared to Arabica. It is widely used in coffee blends and in the production of instant coffee.
These two coffee varieties, Arabica and Robusta, contribute significantly to the richness and diversity of Cameroon's coffee sector, providing a variety of options for both local consumers and international markets.
Trade and Relaunching the Coffee Sector in Cameroon
Coffee marketing in Cameroon is under the supervision of the National Cocoa and Coffee Board, An autonomous government institution operating under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Commerce. Leading exporters in the Cameroonian market include companies such as Olam-Cameroon, UTI, UCCAO, NWCA, NEALIKO, Hilltop Dynamics, and Alpine Coffee Limited, which play a key role in the distribution and promotion of Cameroonian coffee both nationally and internationally.
In 2014, Cameroon marketed a total of 32,808 tons of its coffee production. However, looking to the future, the government has launched an ambitious plan to revive and revitalize the country's coffee sector. This strategic plan aims to increase robusta coffee production to 120,000 tons and arabica coffee production to 35,000 tons by 2020. To finance this project, a 100% increase in coffee export taxes has been proposed, a measure intended to guarantee the necessary resources for the development and sustainable expansion of Cameroon's coffee industry.