Cameroon builds data-driven pathway to strengthen livestock feed systems

CAMEROON – The African Union Interafrican Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) has released new findings showing that, while Cameroon has abundant feed resources, inefficiencies in utilisation, storage, and distribution continue to limit livestock productivity and sector growth. 

The report, developed with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) under the Resilient African Feed and Fodder Systems (RAFFS) project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, marks the country’s first National Livestock Feed Inventory and Feed Balance Analysis.

Cameroon’s livestock sector contributes more than 40% of agricultural GDP, yet until now has operated without a clear, data-driven understanding of feed availability. 

The new assessment provides a baseline for policy, investment and long-term sector planning.

The data show that Cameroon produces more than 200 million tonnes of feed on a dry-matter basis annually, with most regions recording surpluses. 

However, this headline figure masks structural inefficiencies. 

Around 52% of feed comes from grass and 43% from browse, while crop residues contribute just 2%, despite their widespread availability. 

This indicates significant underutilisation of agricultural by-products that could otherwise strengthen feed supply.

A key constraint identified is seasonality. 

Feed availability is high during the rainy season but drops sharply in the dry months due to limited conservation practices such as haymaking and silage. 

As a result, livestock in northern regions lose between 25% and 35% of their body weight between February and April, reducing milk output, growth rates and overall herd performance.

The report also highlights strong regional disparities. 

Adamawa, Nord and Bénoué regions show high feed production potential and host the majority of the national cattle herd. 

In contrast, the Extrême-Nord faces structural deficits linked to low rainfall, while the Western Highlands are experiencing pressure from overgrazing and land degradation. 

These variations underline the need for region-specific feed strategies rather than a single national approach.

The challenges

Feed constraints are directly linked to broader economic challenges. 

Cameroon imports more than US$137 million worth of dairy products annually and faces a milk deficit estimated at 126,000 tonnes. 

National targets aim to increase milk production to 1.15 million tonnes by 2035, a goal that depends heavily on improving feed availability and efficiency.

The feed inventory exercise provides a framework for addressing these challenges by identifying priority investment areas and enabling evidence-based decision-making. 

It also supports climate resilience planning by highlighting seasonal vulnerabilities and resource gaps.

The findings point to several strategic actions, including expanding fodder production in high-potential zones, scaling up feed conservation practices, improving the use of crop residues, and supporting the development of a structured feed industry. 

Regular updates to the feed balance will also be critical for tracking progress and guiding future interventions.

Overall, the report concludes that Cameroon’s challenge is not a lack of feed resources, but the absence of efficient systems to manage them. 

Strengthening these systems will be central to improving livestock productivity, reducing import dependence and advancing national food security.

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