Agro-industrialisation and food security: dietary diversity and food access of workers in Cameroon’s palm oil sector

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ABSTRACT This article investigates the impacts of industrialisation processes in the agricultural sector of sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on findings from a household survey in Cameroon’s palm oil sector, it examines local food systems and compares the household food security situation of salaried workers in industrialised agricultural production sites with that of traditional smallholders. Results indicate divergent levels of dietary diversity and food access in plantation workers’ camps. Most wage earners continue to engage in subsistence farming as a coping mechanism. Governance implications to ensure food security for agro-industry employees are discussed.