Journal of Economic and Social Dynamics

Abstract

In spatial terms, Cameroon's rapid urbanization has increased the dependence of urban populations on com mercial food supplies. Douala and Yaoundé alone will have more than 9 million inhabitants by 2025, generating massive daily food demand. This study analyzes the economic dynamics of agricultural product supply in the urban markets of Douala and Yaoundé, two Cameroonian cities that account for a growing share of national food demand. The objective was to identify the organizational mechanisms of agricultural supply chains, the economic strategies of stakeholders, and the constraints influencing the availability, prices, and quality of prod ucts in urban areas. We used a mixed methodology combining quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses. The data was collected from a representative sample of 470 actors in the supply chain, including 99 agricultural producers (21.1%), 80 collectors/intermediaries (17.0%), 40 transporters (8.5%), 70 wholesalers (14.9%), 41 semi-wholesalers (8.7%), 90 retailers (19.1%), and 50 consumers (10.6%). The tools used included structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observations in markets and on major transport routes. The data were processed using descriptive statistics and spatial analysis of supply flows. The results show that more than 65% of agricultural products sold in Douala and Yaoundé come from production areas located more than 200 km from urban centers, particularly in the western and central highlands. Transport costs account for an average of 25 to 35% of the final price of perishable products such as tomatoes and onions. Approximately 58% of stakeholders report post-harvest or post-transport losses, estimated at between 15 and 30% of volumes. Markets operate mainly informally, with 72% of transactions taking place without a written contract. On the consumer side, 76% buy agricultural products at least twice a week, while 56% consider product availability to be irregular and 24% consider their quality to be average. Based on these findings, the study recommends strengthening road and logistics infrastructure, creating storage and preservation areas suitable for perishable products, and reducing the number of intermediaries by promoting short supply chains. It also recommends the gradual integration of informal actors into flexible regulatory mechanisms, support for the collective or ganization of producers and traders, and the implementation of urban food policies aimed at stabilizing prices and improving the accessibility of agricultural products for urban households.