Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of Cameroon, employing 60% of the active population, particularly youth and women, and generating 70% of the primary sector's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It also provides 15%  of Cameroon's budgetary resources.Despite its importance agriculture in Cameroon faces numerous challenges, including financial constraints, low adoption of modern agricultural technologies, and aging agricultural Infrastructure.The government has put in place a strategy to develop the rural sector, with the goal of creating a sector that drives the economy, generates decent jobs and wealth for domestic demand and export. This vision also aims to ensure food and nutritional security in a context of sustainable development.The Cameroonian government has equally put in place strategies to boost agriculture, including the SND30, which focuses on industrialization and economic diversification,to achieve a genuine transformation of the productive structure, which involves accelerating local production, transforming and enhancing local products, and promoting high-performing value chains, with the ultimate goal of rebalancing the trade balance, which is already heavily deficit-ridden. This is part of the import substitution policy.To make agriculture more effective in Cameroon, the government and agricultural sector stakeholders must address several key issues : Resolve land ownership issues: It is essential to resolve land conflicts to ensure the security of agricultural land and avoid disputes. Strengthen legal provisions: Clear laws and regulations are necessary to protect the rights of farmers and investors. Conduct an inventory of agricultural land reserves: An accurate inventory of available agricultural land will enable effective land use planning. Develop the seed sector: Access to quality seeds is crucial for improving crop yields and agricultural productivity. Organize agricultural training programs: Training and capacity-building for farmers are essential for adopting modern and effective agricultural practices. Train and support farmers: Ongoing support for farmers is necessary to help them overcome challenges and improve productivity. Promote the emergence of agro-industrial entrepreneurs: Agro-industry can create jobs and stimulate local economies. Make financing for agricultural projects mandatory: Access to financing is crucial for farmers and agro-industrial businesses. Promote "Made in Cameroon" products : Promoting local products can contribute to stimulating the national economy. Encourage good substitution practices: Adopting sustainable and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices is essential for ensuring the long-term viability of Cameroonian agriculture which will help to reduce the huge amount of money spend on the imported goods worth more than 20 billion FCFA annually 

Christelle koambi 

Source: Cameroon Economic Meeting