Typology and perspective of evolution of organic farming in Cameroon

Abstract

In a context of controversy over the capacity of agricultural models to respond jointly to food, environmental and development issues in Africa, we analyze the conditions of viability of organic farming in Cameroon. The approach mobilizes a survey through semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the organic production sectors and a discussion of the knowledge generated during multi-stakeholder participatory workshops. The approach brings together scientific, entrepreneurial and technical knowledge. The results highlight three types of organic farming: one type certified according to international specifications; the second, hybrid because of its entrepreneurial nature and without certification; and the third, “natural without certification”, that refers to traditional practices, with low use of inputs. Using the framework of analysis of the multi-level transition theory, these three types make it possible to define possible trajectories for the evolution of organic agriculture in Cameroon.