Production of palm oil in Cameroon is distributed across three plantation types or scales: The Government of Cameroon’s Rural Sector Development Plan proposes an increase in palm oil production to 300,000 tons in 2015 and 450,000 tons in 2020.
Could new oil palm plantations be established in Cameroon?
Up to 20 million hectares of new oil palm plantations could be established in this region over the next decade. In Cameroon’s forested zone alone, over 1 million hectares is now being targeted by oil palm companies. This cultivation would generate much-needed development in Africa and increase global food supplies.
How many oil palms are planted in Cameroon?
In the 1970s, large, agro-industrial companies cultivated 90% of the oil palm in Cameroon 30. Following a government-led rural financing program from 1978 to 1991, the area cultivated by non-industrial producers increased by 570%, now accounting for an estimated 70% of the oil palm planted in Cameroon 31, 32.
Can Cameroon develop a sustainable palm oil industry?
We are working to demonstrate that Cameroon, one of the most biodiverse countries in Africa and a new frontier for oil palm expansion, can develop a sustainable palm oil industry, avoiding negative environmental impacts.