Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-02-19 12:28:13
The price of cocoa beans per kilogram in Cameroon has increased by more than 9 percent in just two days, according to data published by the National Cocoa and Coffee Board (NCCB).
In a recent update on cocoa prices, the NCCB set the minimum price per kilogram in Douala at FCFA 3,000 and the maximum price at FCFA 3,200.
This represents a significant increase from the NCCB’s update on February 14, which established the minimum price at FCFA 2,750 and the maximum price at FCFA 2,900.
Agriculture experts attribute the increase to a global shortage of cocoa beans.
This year, major cocoa-producing countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Cameroon experienced low cocoa yields, leading to a surge in prices.
The poor yields have been attributed to climate change, resulting in unpredictable weather conditions and an increase in pests.
The price of cocoa per kilo in Cameroon has now doubled compared to what farmers received last year.
Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, launched the 2023/2024 Cocoa season in Meyomessala, South Region, on January 20, 2024, with cocoa priced at FCFA 2,520 per kilo.
Minister Luc Magloire hailed this as a “world record” and attributed the increase to the improved quality of Cameroonian cocoa.
Earlier this month, Cameroon received a bronze medal at the 2024 Cocoa of Excellence Awards in Amsterdam.
The increase in cocoa prices is not unique to Cameroon, as it is part of a global trend driven by low yields in major cocoa-producing countries. The shortage of cocoa beans is a result of climate change, which has affected the quality and quantity of cocoa produced.
The increase in cocoa prices has put added pressure on both farmers and consumers. While farmers stand to benefit from higher prices, consumers may experience higher prices for cocoa-related products.
It remains to be seen how the increase in cocoa prices will impact the global cocoa market and whether measures will be taken to address the shortage of cocoa beans.
Overall, the sharp increase in cocoa prices in Cameroon reflects a larger trend of low cocoa yields and rising prices in major cocoa-producing countries, signaling a potential shift in the global cocoa market.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
