Banana and Plantain Market Overview in Cameroon

For the third year in a row, the Cameroonian banana and plantain market recorded growth in sales value, which increased by % to $ in . Overall, the total consumption indicated a measured expansion from 2007 to : its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last thirteen years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on figures, consumption increased by +% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of % year-to-year. Banana and plantain consumption peaked at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to , consumption remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, banana and plantain production amounted to $ in estimated in export prices. Overall, the total production indicated perceptible growth from 2007 to : its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last thirteen-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on figures, production increased by +% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of % year-to-year. Over the period under review, production reached the maximum level at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to , production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In , the average banana and plantain yield in Cameroon totaled tonnes per ha, leveling off at the previous year's figure. In general, the yield showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of % year-to-year. The banana and plantain yield peaked at tonnes per ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to , the yield remained at a lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In , approx. ha of bananas and plantains were harvested in Cameroon; increasing by % on the previous year's figure. In general, the total harvested area indicated a temperate expansion from 2007 to : its figure increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last thirteen years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on figures, banana and plantain harvested area increased by +% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2011 when the harvested area increased by % against the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to banana and plantain production reached the peak figure in and is likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

For the third consecutive year, Cameroon recorded growth in consumption of bananas and plantains, which increased by % to tonnes in . In general, the total consumption indicated prominent growth from 2007 to : its volume increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last thirteen-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on figures, consumption increased by +% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2010 with an increase of % against the previous year. Banana and plantain consumption peaked in and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

The value of the banana and plantain market in Cameroon expanded remarkably to $ in , growing by % against the previous year. This figure reflects the total revenues of producers and importers (excluding logistics costs, retail marketing costs, and retailers' margins, which will be included in the final consumer price). Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a perceptible expansion from 2007 to : its value increased at an average annual rate of +% over the last thirteen-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on figures, consumption increased by +% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the market value increased by % year-to-year. Over the period under review, the market reached the peak level at $ in 2014; however, from 2015 to , consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Driven by increasing demand for banana and plantain in Cameroon, the market is expected to continue an upward consumption trend over the next decade. Market performance is forecast to decelerate, expanding with an anticipated CAGR of +% for the period from to , which is projected to bring the market volume to tonnes by the end of .

Over the period under review, imports of banana and plantain in Cameroon were negligibly small compared to the production volumes. Therefore, the share of imports in the total market was practically nonexistent, both in volume and in value terms. This situation has remained constant over the period under review, which means that domestic producers entirely meet the domestic demand for banana and plantain.

This tangible trade surplus reflects the fact that the market remains buoyed by domestic production, and the industry is highly incorporated into the global market, which is likely to continue in the medium term.