Cameroon

Seed sector in Cameroon

Cameroon established a seed law in 2001 related to seed production and marketing. In 2005, the country established the National Seed Council (NSC) through a decree, which sought to promote, organize and stimulate the development of a dependable seed industry. The NSC was also set up to regulate and control the registration of released varieties, protect farmers from the sale of counterfeit seeds and facilitate the production and marketing of high quality seeds in the country. It also encourages the development and promotion of new plant varieties as part of its national seed policy.

The National Agricultural Investment Plan aims to develop research on improved high yield seeds and increase competitiveness among farms. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development regulates seeds as well as the breeding of various seed varieties.

The formal seed system is composed of government entities, agricultural institutions, non-governmental organizations, small enterprises and private sector companies involved in different seed-related activities. The private seed sector in Cameroon is slowly emerging as it collaborates with local actors.

Three government actors are responsible for seed sector development: the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Council for Seeds and Breeders’ Rights. The most dynamic cooperatives are located in West Region and Northwest Region. These cooperatives have performed well economically and follow democratic governance structures, though cooperatives generally do not follow a robust business model.

Observations

There are 13 companies in Cameroon, of which one, Semagri, is headquartered in the country. Two companies—Semagri and Technisem—carry out seed production activities, though none involve smallholder farmers in these activities.

Four companies have testing locations, three provide extension services and two have breeding locations. None of the companies active in the country have seed processing locations.