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  • Publication | 2026
Cocoa farming and rural livelihoods in cameroon: Strategic pathways to poverty reduction and food security
Global Food and Nutrition Security

Highlights:

  • Cocoa farming reduces household poverty and enhances rural livelihoods in Cameroon.
  • Increased cocoa income significantly raises the probability of food security.
  • Study uses data from 183,758 households from the Fourth Cameroon Household Survey.
  • Gender, household size, and education influence poverty and food security outcomes.
  • Findings inform strategic policies for productivity, income diversification, and equity.

Abstract:

Understanding how cocoa farming influences rural livelihoods in Cameroon remains limited. This study examines cocoa farming as a strategy for poverty reduction and food security improvement. Guided by the theory of agricultural-led growth, we analyze data from the fourth Cameroonian household survey (183,758 households) using descriptive statistics and binary regression analysis. Results show that while 94% of cocoa-farming households experience food insecurity, higher cocoa income significantly reduces poverty and increases the likelihood of food security. These findings indicate that cocoa farming is a critical pathway for enhancing household welfare. Policies promoting productivity, income diversification, and equitable resource access in the cocoa sector can strengthen its role in fostering sustainable livelihoods across rural and urban Cameroon.