Under the blue skies of Yaounde, the headquarters of the Support Service for Local Development Initiatives (SAILD) was transformed into a true showcase for agroecology. On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Elig-Essono-based NGO hosted the capital’s fourth annual organic market.
Beneath the rows of tents, the stalls set up for the occasion look impressive. The warm rays of the sun brighten this space, where the green of fresh vegetables, the vibrant red of tomatoes, and the yellow of ripe fruit blend together. The visual spectacle leaves no visitor unimpressed. On display is a variety of foods from the agroecological farms of local farmers. Among other things, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables… tomatoes, Chinese apples, dried beans, potatoes, carrots, lettuce, leeks, melon, cassava, avocado, corn, plantains, verbena, lemongrass, green onions, leeks, turnips, black nightshade, fennel, mushrooms… Meat from environmentally friendly farms, including broiler chickens; and processed products with numerous health benefits, such as therapeutic beverages made from ginger and mugwort, as well as liqueurs infused with local flavors.
At the colorful stalls, the atmosphere is electric. Voices mingle in a buzz punctuated by conversations about agroecological products. Producers from the Central and Western regions call out to passersby, touting the quality of their goods, while customers wander around, stop, chat, and sometimes haggle. Loriane Ngaya Bafon, potatoes in hand, tries to convince a potential customer. “None of my products contain added synthetic chemicals. And I guarantee they’re fresh,” she assures him. Loriane came from Bagangté with over 200 kg of produce. By midday, she has already sold more than half. Business is booming on her end. “I’m in organic farming for the well-being of the people. I’m happy to be here today for the very first time, given how satisfied the customers are. I’ve sold almost everything. I had potatoes, beans, avocados, vegetables… I came with 100 kg of beans, and I’ve already sold 75 kg; out of 58 kg of potatoes, I’ve sold 45 kg, and out of 50 kg of vegetables, I’ve sold 45 kg,” she admits with a smile.
As for the customers, they are very satisfied with the quality of the products offered at the organic market. Christian Simo is a restaurant owner. He plans to open an organic restaurant in the city of Yaoundé. “I’ve always been interested in organic food, but honestly, I can’t remember the last time I had an opportunity like this. Organic food is hard to find in Yaoundé. I live in Nkomo, but when I heard about it, I didn’t hesitate to come, even though it costs nearly 1,000 CFA francs round trip from there. I bought watermelons and vegetables to stock up at home because eating organic is good for your health,” he explains enthusiastically.
A space dedicated to promoting flour made in Cameroon.
Just a few meters away, five artisan bakers and pastry chefs were among the exhibitors at this fourth edition of the organic market organized by SAILD in partnership with the Bandjoun Multipurpose Training Center as part of the “Knowledge Center for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa” project, which is promoted by the PCAC (Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Central Africa).
On their counters, they showcase their creations made with flours produced in Cameroon. The subtle yet rich aroma of bread, doughnuts, and brioche fresh from the oven fills the air, whetting visitors’ appetites and piquing their curiosity. “These delicacies are made with potato and cassava flours, enriched with organic ingredients such as sesame and chia seeds,” explains Berline Deumagam, an artisan baker and pastry chef.
Alongside the finished products, a wide range of flours made from corn, plantains, cassava, and sweet potatoes is also on display. For these artisan bakers, it’s time to combine pleasure with wellness by offering consumers healthier products. The Yaounde organic market is, without a doubt, a wonderful showcase for organic farming and agroecology in Cameroon.
- Sharon Maché
