Cameroon Country Report Launch

The 2024 TASAI Cameroon Country Report presents findings from the first TASAI study conducted in Cameroon to assess the structure and performance of the country’s formal seed sector. TASAI studies focus on four key grain and legume crops, important for national food and nutritional security. The four “focus crops” in Cameroon are maize, rice, sorghum, and cowpea.

Cameroon’s formal seed system is in the early stages of development. It is characterized by limited national breeding activity, few active small and medium-sized private seed private companies and many producer groups (such as seed cooperatives and Common Interest Groups). The policy framework has the requisite legal instruments but lacks consistent enforcement, and underdeveloped seed distribution systems.

Under the Research and Development category, the effectiveness of the Institut de Recherche Agricole pour le Développement (IRAD), in charge of national seed research, is limited by a shortage of trained breeders, inadequate research facilities, and limited funding. These constraints have slowed the maintenance of Early Generation Seed (EGS) and the development of new varieties. Some of the varieties currently in use are 58 years old. In contrast, the producer of newer – hybrid – maize seed production accounts for only 1% of total maize seed production.

Under the Industry Competitiveness category, the study found that Cameroon’s seed sector is characterized by many small producers and the significant presence of government-owned companies in the case of certain crops. Small producers produce under 5 MT of seed, rely on government processing facilities, and have weak marketing systems. Most sell directly to farmers or through government channels rather than private agro-dealers. While the maize, sorghum, and soya bean seed markets remain relatively competitive, rice production is dominated by four of the six government parastatals, accounting for 89% market share.The heavy presence of public institutions producing seeds with public resources makes it more difficult for private companies, especially small and medium-size enterprises to compete.

Cameroon’s seed Policy Framework is guided by the National Agricultural Seed Development Plan, the seed law, and multiple seed decrees. However, weak implementation and enforcement persist. For instance, critical institutions such as the Conseil National des Semences et Obtentions Végétales (CONSOV), responsible for seed sector oversight, and the Commission d’homologation des espèces et variétés (CHEV) that oversees variety releases lack the resources to carry out their mandates effectively. The Seed Fund is defunct, and counterfeit seed remains a persistent problem, highlighting the need to strengthen quality assurance and market surveillance systems.

Under the Institutional Support category, the Directorate of Seed Regulation and Quality Control (DRCQ) provides essential seed inspection and certification services. However, with only 96 inspectors, its capacity is limited. Although producers are reasonably satisfied with DRCQ’s services, the directorate requires more personnel, training, and logistical support to enhance its effectiveness. The national seed association, Association du Commerce des Semences du Cameroun (ACOSEC), is underperforming. Most producers are unaware of its activities, and members rated its performance as “poor” across all assessed areas that range from provision of value to members, to effectiveness in advocacy.

Under Services to Smallholder Farmers, access to quality seed is constrained by a weak distribution network and high seed prices. Hybrid maize seed costs over four times the price of seeds of open-pollinated varieties (OPVs). The 1,888 agricultural extension officers under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) lack adequate tools and resources. In addition, Cameroon has only 28 registered agro-dealers, a number is insufficient to ensure wide seed availability.

The Cameroon TASAI Country Study was presented members of the country’s public and private seed sectors, who validated and discussed the findings at the dissemination meeting held in Yaoundé on July 23, 2025. The report was well received by industry stakeholders, who expressed strong commitment to increasing research investment, enforcing seed laws, revitalizing private sector associations, and strengthening market linkages to build a competitive and resilient seed system in Cameroon.