Cameroon Launches $10.6 Million Poultry Megafarm to Boost Local Production and Food Security

A major leap forward in Cameroon’s agricultural landscape unfolded in Bamendjou as the government unveiled a state-of-the-art poultry farm designed to reshape the country’s food system and reduce dependency on imports. The sprawling agro-industrial project, known as the Cameroon Cooperative Farm (FCC), was officially inaugurated by Minister of Livestock, Fisheries, and Animal Industries, Dr. Taïga, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s push for food self-sufficiency.

Source: Business In Cameroon

Spearheaded by Dr. Pascal Talla, a Cameroonian surgeon based in Switzerland, the farm stands as a powerful response to President Paul Biya’s call for the diaspora to invest in critical sectors at home. With a price tag of 6 billion CFA francs (about USD 10.6 million), the facility combines modern poultry farming with an integrated model that includes everything from feed production to chick hatcheries and a poultry slaughter unit—designed to operate as a closed-loop system.

At full capacity, the farm will produce up to 75,000 eggs per day from 80,000 laying hens. A satellite unit in Bamena further complements the operation with egg tray manufacturing, while the feed mill on-site can churn out four tons of poultry feed per hour, cutting reliance on imported inputs and insulating local producers from global price shocks.

Dr. Talla believes the farm is more than a business venture—it’s a mission to empower communities, stabilize food supplies, and stimulate local economies. “We chose this sector because it supports agriculture, the local market, and food security all at once,” he said during the launch, emphasizing the project's long-term social and economic benefits.

The farm’s establishment was supported by Cameroon’s investment promotion law, revised in 2017, which offers tax and customs incentives for strategic projects. Minister Taïga noted that the initiative directly supports the government’s import-substitution policy, helping to secure local production chains amid rising demand and global volatility.

Yet, optimism is tempered by lessons from the past. A similar project in 2011 failed just months after launching due to unsustainable costs, underscoring the importance of financial discipline, market access, and cost control. For FCC to succeed, it must navigate the complex realities of an industry often disrupted by feed shortages, disease outbreaks, and fluctuating supply chains.

Still, the outlook is promising. Cameroon’s poultry sector has shown resilience, with broiler production climbing 18% in 2021, contributing nearly a fifth of the nation’s total meat supply. With smart strategy and sustained commitment, the FCC could become a model for agribusiness success—and a cornerstone of Cameroon’s food future.