Satellite images were also used to map the spatial evolution of oil palm in the production basins. The result is a boom and a considerable expansion of the oil palm to which we can note a lack of adequate policy due to the constraints and hesitations of the Cameroonian administrations.
Does Cameroon need more palm oil?
Cameroon is committed to expand its production of oil, and to address its current net balance of trade (as of 2012, Cameroon imports 50,000 tons of palm oil per year). There are concerns that leasing large tracts of forest to the international agricultural industry is not the way to address the demand for palm oil.
Can the palm oil industry develop sustainably in Cameroon?
With Cameroon committed to grow its domestic production of palm oil, there are concerns that the price of this expansion will be paid in the country¡¯s forests. This working paper seeks to stimulate a debate to ensure that the palm oil industry can develop sustainably in Cameroon.
How did Cameroon become an oil-producing country?
Cameroon became an oil-producing country in 1977. Claiming to want to make reserves for difficult times, the authorities manage "off-budget" oil revenues in total opacity (the funds are placed in Paris, Switzerland and New York accounts). Several billion dollars are thus diverted to the benefit of oil companies and regime officials.