Sustainable development standards in the banana sector in Cameroon

The serving banana sector is of strategic interest for the development of the Cameroonian economy. The banana industry, which employs an abundant and often unskilled labour force in rural areas, is an essential link in the Government's strategy in the context of its policy to combat poverty. The farms make a major contribution to the local development of the regions in which they are located. The banana industry was once infamous for: the destruction of tropical forests, the pollution of waterways, the use of dangerous agrochemicals, the payment of derisory salaries to staff, the run-off of agrochemicals, the use of children under 18 years of age in dangerous work on the farms, the pesticide-impregnated plastic bags (used to protect bananas while they were growing) that littered the banks of rivers and the streets near the plantations, and the low level of interest shown by farmers in their social responsibility. Studies now show that banana plantations certified to international standards are forging a path to sustainability.