Cameroon, like other sub-Saharan countries, is faced with critical challenges in food storage: farmers lose their fresh produce to post-harvest loss due to a lack of storage facilities and knowledge of post-harvest management.
Estimates from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveal that almost 40% of all fruits and vegetables in the whole of Africa are lost after harvest due to inadequate pre- and post-harvest handling methods. This is one of the most daunting challenges that Cameroon farmers face today. These losses are seriously affecting the food availability in the market, especially for fruits or any other consumable items. The losses are a major cause of food waste and an impediment to farmers’ potential profits in the country.
A conversation with Chuo Dennis Nji, the general manager of Golden Arables Farms and agricultural consultant in Cameroon, shed light on the urgent need for a cooling solution in the country's vegetable farm sector.
Dennis revealed that he cultivates various kinds of food and vegetables like oil palm,maize, plantains, hot peppers, and watermelon. However, when asked about tomatoes, he recounted how he tried and abandoned the crops.
"I grow tomatoes once and abandon them," he confesses.
The instability of tomato prices in the market is a prominent issue. Prices fluctuate unpredictably, leaving farmers uncertain about the returns on their labor. The farmer notes that a basket of tomatoes is sometimes sold for a mere 1000 francs (CFA), making it difficult for farmers to cover their production costs. He also adds that the agricultural landscape in Cameroon, regarding the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, poses significant challenges.
The absence of post-harvest facilities exacerbates the problem. Without proper storage options, farmers find it challenging to store tomatoes for extended periods, leading to post-harvest losses. This issue discourages both farmers and potential investors from engaging in tomato production. Instead, many opt for crops like hot peppers, which can be dried and sold later, providing a more stable income.
The lack of a defined market for tomatoes in Cameroon adds to the struggles of tomato farmers. As the festive season approaches, the market becomes flooded with tomatoes from various communities, including Boya, Wututu, Munya, Chiko, Muntegene, Bamida, and Bomakada. The oversupply results in farmers selling their produce at low prices to cope with the competition, further limiting their income and discouraging sustainable farming practices.
Speaking on alternate storage methods for farmers in the country, Dennis revealed that the majority of farmers resort to drying and using deep freezers for the preservation of vegetables, stating that the method is not effective for large quantities.
Poor timing of harvest and production contributes to these losses too. The traditional African night shield method, involving timing harvests in the late evenings and selling in the morning, is also a common practice. However, this method falls short when it comes to preserving large quantities of produce."
The primary challenges faced by vegetable farmers in Cameroon revolve around the lack of storage facilities and proper post-harvest management. Without these crucial elements, farmers struggle to enhance their productivity and improve their income situations.
Jean Claue, another Cameroonian farmer, stressed that establishing energy-efficient cooling services will enable farmers to make more profits, extend the shelf life of their produce, and create space for export value.
“Implementing advanced crop production techniques, including the use of agrochemicals that enhance shelf life, can contribute to better food security in the country. Frequent training on post-harvest management education will expose farmers to the best packaging, sorting, transporting, and washing methods for their perishables”.
He also called on ColdHubs and other storage industries to collaborate with Cameroon's agricultural value to develop the best cooling services for the country, adding that efficient renewable cooling services can not only bolster its agricultural sector but also empower local farmers to contribute significantly to food security and economic growth.
It's time for stakeholders and policymakers to heed the call for improved post-harvest management and storage facilities in Cameroon.