Cameroon has emerged as a key cocoa supplier amid stagnating yields in traditional leaders like Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. In fact, it’s now the world’s fifth-largest cocoa producer—with ambitious plans to triple output by 2030. But this rapid cocoa expansion is accelerating deforestation in one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions.
Between 2020 and today, Cameroon lost approximately 782,000 hectares, or 4.2% of its forest cover—nearly doubling its deforestation rate from the prior two decades combined. Much of this surge is tied to cocoa farm expansion into sensitive landscapes.
Why Cameroon now?
Several factors are converging:
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Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire face shrinking yields due to crop diseases, outdated farming practices, and climate pressure.
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Global demand remains high, driving buyers to shift sourcing toward Cameroon.
What’s at risk?
Cameroon’s forests—especially the Lower Guinean forests—are rich in endemic species and store massive amounts of carbon. Continued loss threatens biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Is there hope? Compliance and sustainable practices
Cameroon has moved proactively to minimize exposure under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).The government has registered six major exporters to a platform that georeferences farms, making over 80% of cocoa traceable and aiming for 100% compliance soon.
Further, stakeholders are exploring agroforestry and regenerative cacao approaches, which support tree cover, soil health, and biodiversity while still generating revenue for farmers.
Cameroon stands at a critical juncture. Without stronger policies and enforcement, cocoa-driven deforestation could parallel the ecological collapse seen in West Africa’s leading producers. But with traceability tech, EU incentives, and renewed focus on sustainable agroforestry, there’s an opportunity to build a model that balances production with preservation.
The question for exporters, companies, and governments is:
Can cocoa growth in Cameroon be shaped by responsibility? Or will economic opportunity come at the irreversible cost of a forest frontier?
Read More: Cameroon on the brink: cocoa boom risks country becoming next deforestation hotspot – Mighty Earth
