Melons and papayas market in Cameroon

Earlier Report Observations

Melon and papaya production in Cameroon declined to 126.8 thousand tonnes in 2019 but then entered a phase of consistent growth, reaching 154.7 thousand tonnes by 2022. This turnaround was facilitated by a push toward organic farming and the professional organization of producers through groups like AGROCOM, which improved cultivation practices and market access.

The market faced headwinds in 2019 due to ongoing European Union phytosanitary restrictions that curbed export opportunities. From 2020, however, the introduction of tailored organic techniques for papaya varieties and government support for sector structuring enabled farmers to increase output steadily, despite external challenges such as high input costs and unfavorable weather in some years.

Production stabilized at 155.2 thousand tonnes in 2023, reflecting a more mature market where modernization projects in agriculture and the entry of new players in related fruit sectors began to influence the industry's development.

Production melons and papayas in Cameroon

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

World map of production of melons and papayas, 2017-2020

In 2019, Cameroon's production of melons and papayas reached its lowest point at 126 819 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 6.8%. By 2020, production had increased to 142 211 tonnes, marking a 12.1% rise over the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports melons and papayas from Cameroon

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 14.6 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 5.5%. By 2020, exports surged to 110.4 tonnes, representing a dramatic increase of 655.1% compared to the previous year. The gap between the highest exports in 2020 and the lowest in 2019 was 7.6-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Gabon dominated Cameroon's exports of melons and papayas in kind, accounting for 88.2% of total flows, while other countries made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. In 2019, exports in value terms reached their lowest point at 4 213 US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 74.5%. By 2020, exports rose sharply to 57 493 US dollars, reflecting a dramatic increase of 1,264.6% over the previous year. The variation between the high in 2020 and the low in 2019 was 13.6-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Cameroon in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Cameroon's exports of melons and papayas in value terms were heavily concentrated, with Gabon and France together accounting for 99.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Cameroon in value, 2017-2020

Imports melons and papayas to Cameroon

Imports in kind, t

Volatility characterized the market during these years. In 2019, imports in kind were at their minimum of 0.0 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 98.4%. By 2020, imports increased to 4.1 tonnes, showing a significant uptick of 31,469.2% compared to the previous year. The variation between the maximum in 2020 and the minimum in 2019 was 316-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil and France were the main suppliers of melons and papayas to Cameroon in kind, with their combined share reaching 99.7% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cameroon in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2019, imports in value terms dropped to their minimum of 97 US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 98.4%. In 2018, imports peaked at 5 923 US dollars. By 2020, imports had risen to 2 618 US dollars, up by 2,601.5% compared to the previous year. The shift from the maximum in 2018 to the minimum in 2019 was 61-fold.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Cameroon in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, France remained the leading supplier of melons and papayas to Cameroon in value terms, holding 79.7% of total imports, while the rest was distributed among many other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Cameroon in value, 2017-2020