Arabfields, Maleeka Kassou, East, West & Central Africa Agriculture Correspondent — Wheat is increasingly viewed as a strategic crop in Central Africa, but turning local production into a competitive industry remains a difficult challenge for both Cameroon and Chad. As governments seek to reduce dependence on imported grain and improve food security, farmers, millers and policymakers are confronting economic and climatic realities that continue to limit domestic output.
Cameroon’s government recently approved a three-year action plan aimed at organizing and expanding the country’s wheat sector. The initiative reflects growing concern over rising import costs and the vulnerability of food supplies to disruptions in global markets. Chad is pursuing similar objectives, hoping to encourage local cultivation despite harsh weather conditions and limited agricultural infrastructure.
The numbers illustrate the scale of the challenge. In 2026, Cameroon continues to import the overwhelming majority of the wheat consumed by its population, while domestic production remains only a small fraction of national demand. Across the region, wheat consumption has continued to rise as urban populations grow and diets evolve, increasing pressure on governments to strengthen local supply chains.
For producers like farmer Ibrahim Moussa in northern Cameroon, the promise of wheat farming comes with significant uncertainty. He says improved seeds have raised expectations, but unpredictable rainfall, expensive fertilizers and limited irrigation still make every growing season a gamble. “We know the demand is there,” he explains. “What we need is consistent support so that production becomes profitable year after year.”
Mill operators also recognize the potential benefits of a stronger domestic industry. Local sourcing could reduce transportation costs, create rural employment and make flour supplies less vulnerable to international price fluctuations. However, processors note that locally produced wheat must meet strict quality standards while remaining price competitive against imported grain.
Agricultural specialists estimate that meaningful progress will require sustained investment in research, irrigation systems, storage facilities and farmer training. Better access to credit and improved logistics are also considered essential if producers are to increase yields and supply commercial mills on a reliable basis.
Current agricultural statistics suggest that demand for wheat in Central Africa will continue to expand over the next decade as population growth and urbanization accelerate. If ongoing reforms are implemented successfully, local production could gradually increase and reduce part of the import bill. Even so, analysts believe imports will continue to dominate the market for several years, as domestic harvests are unlikely to keep pace with consumption in the near future.
Despite the obstacles, many stakeholders remain optimistic. Farmers see wheat as an opportunity to diversify their income, governments view the crop as a pillar of food security, and investors are beginning to explore opportunities throughout the value chain. Whether these ambitions can be transformed into a competitive regional industry will depend on long-term commitment, stable public policies and continued investment in agricultural productivity.
