Les importations des produits alimentaires et leurs incidences sur le développement économique et social du Cameroun (1960-2016)

Abstract

Since independence, food satisfaction needs of Cameroonians has been at the center of government concerns. This is perceptible through designed economic policies which struggle to really materialize, despite a particular emphasis on agriculture and industry. National low agricultural production does not cover food needs in front of a growing demography. To fill-in the deficit and ensure country's food supply, Cameroon State has recourse to importation of food products. For some time now, the issue of massive importation of foodstuffs has been the subject of public debate in Africa, in general, and in Cameroon, particularly. Food self- sufficiency is acute. According to some experts, African countries, especially Cameroon, are suffocating under food imports weight. The objective of this work is to demonstrate that Cameroon is largely outside food dependent and this situation has negatives effects on the economic and social development of the Country. To carry out this work as part as the methodology is concerned, we have chosen qualitative and quantitative approaches. The analysis was also based on several disciplinary approaches drawing on economic and social history, economic sciences, sociology and even law. At the end of this study, we came to the conclusion that non-materialization of economic policies initiated since independence, national and international economic conditions unfavorable to development, and having led to the economic crisis and demographic growth, are essential explanatory factors in increasing food imports products in Cameroon. For harmonious economic and social development, public authorities would benefit from developing strategies that can boost local production and considerably limit import food products. Reforms in agriculture and industry sectors and encouraging people to consume local products, are proven to be beneficial measures to promote a real economic and social take-off of Cameroon