Potentialities of the Oil Palm Industry in Cameroon

Cameroon belongs to the Central African region where the oil palm is an endemic species. Since 1913 the country was exporting palm oil and palm kernels through the exploitation of natural groves by the local populations. The development of the oil palm industry is still low: about 100 000 ha planted over 25 million ha of the oil palm distribution area. The oil palm sector is represented by five industrial plantations and numerous smallholders. Industrial plantations seem not to be ready to extend their areas out of their actual concessions and often they do not replant old palms which are over 25 years old. The hope to plant more and increase the palm oil production rests with smallholders who are highly motivated and are found all over the national oil palm distribution area. The availability of lands, the diversity of climates , the keen interest of locals to increase national palm oil production are determining factors for future good performance of the sector provided that good quality planting material is available. Technical assistance is needed by the smallholders for good crop management aimed at increasing yields, improving quality and maintaining low production costs. Replacement of old palm oil mills by industrial plantations and construction of palm oil mills for smallholders’ groups are prerequisites to the improvement of national palm oil production. The market for palm oil and palm kernel oil exists locally and in the central African sub-region. Keywords: Oil palm, industrial plantations, smallholdings, technical assistance, palm oil mill.