Bridging Gender Productivity Gaps in Cameroon’s Agrifood Micro-Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Date
2026
Authors
Ousmanou Njikam
Coralie Paloma Mbengono
Valentin Désiré Guiama
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
• Rigorous decomposition analysis reveals both the extent of the gender productivity gap and the underlying drivers shaping Cameroon’s agrifood micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
• The analysis distinguishes between formal and informal agrifood MSMEs, uncovering important differences in how gender gaps manifest across enterprise types.
• Differences in returns to inputs drive the gender gap in both formal and informal agrifood MSMEs, pointing to persistent structural constraints and potential gender-based discrimination.
• Structural determinants of the gender gap operate in two levels: common factors across sectors, including sectoral segregation, number of children, and vocational training and apprenticeship, and sector-specific and sector specific constraints, such as low education attainment, limited business networks and social connections, restricted access to bank credit, and low awareness of public policies).
• Mechanisms driving productivity disproportionately affect enterprises established through bank loans, small-sized enterprises (10-25 employees), and agrifood MSMEs operating for more than three years.
• Gender-responsive policy interventions are critical to achieving productivity parity. Priority should be given to reduce inequalities in (i) family and social responsibilities, (ii) educational attainment and training, (iii) access to formal finance, (iv) sectoral choice, (v) networks and social capital, and (vi) awareness and uptake of public support policies.