Creation of Food Processing Businesses as a Means to Reduce Poverty in Cameroon: Considerations for Food Safety

Agriculture is an important part of the rural economy in sub-Saharan Africa; however, statistics for poverty and underemployment in the region are highest in the world. One of the support mechanisms for economic growth are ministerial strategies to create and support new small-and medium-sized enterprises that add value to primary agricultural products through food processing. Urbanization, the expansion of supermarkets, and the demand for convenience food, present potential opportunities for economic growth to these new food processing businesses. Given the significant incidence of foodborne illness in the region, this article will consider the food safety challenges new food processing businesses in sub-Saharan Africa will face.