December 16, 2024

Cameroon's meat production drops by 23.8% in 2024 amid sector challenges

Cameroon's Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute announced during a speech that Cameroon's total meat production for 2024 is projected to decline to 235,960 tonnes.

This marks a 23.8% decrease, equivalent to 74,040 tonnes, compared to the 310,000 tonnes recorded in 2023, as reported by the country's Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries (Minepia).

Cattle farming remains the largest contributor to meat production in 2024, accounting for 94,300 tonnes of beef. Poultry follows with 50,836 tonnes, while pork contributes 39,676 tonnes. Despite these figures, the Prime Minister did not provide details on the reasons behind the decline in production, even as the government continues to invest in the livestock sector.

A general decrease in production has been observed across all meat categories. Cattle farming experienced the most significant drop, with production falling by 35,869 tonnes to 94,300 tonnes from 130,000 tonnes in 2023. Experts have attributed this decline to several challenges, including deteriorating grazing lands and drying water sources in the North region, which is a key area for cattle farming. Insecurity and livestock theft have further compounded the sector's difficulties, contributing to reduced production.

In response to these challenges, the government has outlined measures to revitalise the livestock sector and boost meat production. Plans include the construction of industrial cattle slaughterhouses in Douala and Bamenda, located in the Northwest region.

The government is also leveraging resources from the National Seed Production Centre in Wakwa, situated in the Adamaoua region, which is the country's primary livestock area. This facility is expected to produce over 500,000 doses of cattle semen and 300 embryos annually, supporting efforts to enhance cattle farming and overall meat production in the coming years.

-      Business in Cameroon