Cameroon fertilizer sector study : executive summary

The paper first discusses the current and growing use of fertilizer, its profitability, and the existing system of subsidized and non-subsidized fertilizer marketing. A model marketing system for the subsidized compoment of the fertilizer sector is described; the model integrates sales, promotion/farmer education, market research, distribution, price, and personnel development with processing/procurement to achieve maximum savings. Although Cameroon has no known deposits of phosphate or potash, it does have large reserves of natural gas and oil which can be used for the production of nitrogen-based fertilizers. Major fertilizer supply options and recommendations to generate savings and build national production are discussed in a section which covers procurement procedures, local bagging of imported fertilizers, bulk blending, and local production of ammonia, urea, and DAP. Included are six figures, 7 tables, and a concluding review which specifies the savings possible under the recommended system for the subsidized sector.