Performance Assessment Of The Cameroon Wood Processing Industry

Abstract

This paper reviews performance assessment of the Cameroon wood processing industry to determine the economic health and sustainability of the sector. Indices of interest were raw material availability, process technology, product type and quality, market, manpower status, forest industry environment and waste disposal mechanisms. Data for the exercise were obtained from a stratified random sampling of 138 wood processing firms. Baseline data were collected using structured questionnaire private discussions and personal observations to determine institutional and infrastructural capacity needs of 38 wood processingcomplexes. The data were subjected to descriptive and quantitative statistics using tables, bar, percentages, line graph and correlation. Results show that the Cameroon wood industry is generally foreign-owned investment that concentrates on the production of sawn wood, parquets, plywood veneer and ceiling boards. Forest industry output is export oriented with over 91% of products sent overseas. Conversion efficiency is 36% while processing cost per m3 is US$317.58. Mean operating capacity for surveyed firms is 72.5%. About 95% of workers are unskilled. There is reduced pollution impact on the environment and moderate health hazards to workers. Industrial constraints include political and legal barriers, alsounstable market situation with competition from Asiatic products. Raw material shortage remains a major factor hindering development of the sector. Information flow is restricted and apical in nature, hampering efficient research and development efforts. Forest legislation is not enforceable enough to guarantee protection. Defining a new sectoral policyon the assessment needs of industries, wood availability and valuation of timber would ensure sustainability and economic viability of the forest industries.Key words: Wood processing, performance assessment