OVERVIEW OF MUSA PROCESSING BUSINESSES AND THEIR SUPPORT ENVIRONMENT IN CAMEROON

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are staple foods in the Southern provinces of Cameroon and surrounding countries, where they play a significant role in the diet of the people. In 2005, a team that consisted of an agronomist, a food technologist, a business advisor and a businessman carried out a study in Cameroon to identify the strengths and weaknesses of small businesses. In addition, the study looked at links between small businesses and providers of different kinds of services and information to solve their problems and to expand their production and sales. The investigations focused on processing enterprises dealing with banana or plantain chips, dried bananas and traditional alcohol production. They were described according to the product type, firm size and technology used. Some of their support service providers (financial and technical assistance as well as equipment providers) were also described.