Cameroon has positioned 650,000 hectares of cocoa farms to meet the European Union’s new deforestation-free requirements, as the country moves to secure continued access to the EU market while protecting its forest resources.
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriel Mbaïrobe said the government is fully committed to zero deforestation in cocoa production, with seven ministries backing the initiative. Speaking on 16 December at the launch of a guidance manual on due diligence for cocoa legality, Mbaïrobe emphasized that Cameroon can comply with the EU Regulation on Deforestation and Forest Degradation (EUDR) without expanding farmland.
“The country’s confidence rests on its ability to increase output using existing farms and productivity-enhancing techniques,” he said, noting that cocoa yields in Cameroon currently average 450 to 500 kilograms per hectare. Through practices such as regeneration, densification, and quality improvement, production on existing farms could potentially triple, he added.
The government is also relying on research-driven gains. New cocoa varieties under development could deliver yields between 1.5 and 2 tons per hectare, enabling Cameroon to raise production while minimizing pressure on forest areas. These measures are critical as EU markets demand deforestation-free cocoa, with specific compliance conditions covering legality, land use, environmental and labor protections, and respect for the rights of Indigenous communities.
Cameroon is also exploring the cultivation of “savanna cocoa,” which has shown promise in regions such as Mayo-Banyo and Mbéré in Adamawa, as well as northern areas of Noun department. “These new production zones offer opportunities to expand output without further encroachment on forests,” Mbaïrobe said.
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Another component of the country’s approach involves landscape restoration. Where regulations allow certain degraded forest areas to be declassified, cocoa may be cultivated after environmental restoration, ensuring production growth is reconciled with ecological preservation.
The seven legal requirements of the EUDR demand that cocoa entering the EU market respects land-use rights, environmental protections, third-party rights, labor standards, internationally recognized human rights, free, prior, and informed consent for Indigenous peoples, and compliance with tax, anti-corruption, trade, and customs regulations.
To meet these conditions, Cameroon has been training stakeholders in the cocoa sector for several years, culminating in the creation of a due diligence guidance manual. The manual outlines continuous procedures to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in cocoa supply chains, with specific measures required for each shipment destined for the EU market.
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Minister Mbaïrobe stressed that this proactive approach ensures Cameroon remains competitive internationally while contributing to sustainable agricultural and environmental practices. “By investing in productivity improvements, research, and proper landscape management, we can satisfy market demands without expanding farmland into forested areas,” he said.
The government also highlighted that the initiative aligns with broader national objectives to promote sustainable agricultural development and forest conservation. By combining high-yield cocoa varieties, better farm management, and the establishment of savanna cocoa zones, Cameroon seeks to secure the dual goals of economic growth and ecological protection.
The EUDR, originally scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2026, may now be delayed until 1 January 2027. Regardless, Cameroon says it is fully prepared for compliance, signaling its commitment to sustainable cocoa production and adherence to international environmental standards.
With EU markets representing a significant share of global cocoa consumption, ensuring deforestation-free production is crucial for Cameroon’s export strategy. Analysts say the country’s approach could serve as a model for other African cocoa producers seeking to balance environmental compliance with agricultural expansion.
Cameroon’s cocoa strategy highlights the growing importance of sustainability in global trade, as importers increasingly demand traceable, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible products. By positioning 650,000 hectares of cocoa for EUDR compliance, Cameroon aims to safeguard its market access, support local farmers, and maintain the integrity of its forested landscapes.
