The North Journals
In a world where many aspire to leave Africa for perceived greener pastures abroad, Bertin Tchoffo chose a different path. He left the bustling streets of Europe and returned to the fertile lands of Cameroon, transforming personal adversity into a thriving enterprise centered around cassava cultivation and processing.
A Journey Marked by Resilience
Born in Cameroon, Tchoffo’s early life was imbued with the rich cultural and agricultural heritage of his homeland. However, like many of his compatriots, he sought opportunities beyond the continent’s borders, leading him to France. The reality of life in Europe, however, was far from the dream he had envisioned.
Facing unforeseen challenges, Tchoffo found himself homeless, enduring eight grueling months on the streets of France without a fixed address. This period of hardship tested his resolve but also ignited a determination to change his circumstances. To escape the grip of poverty, he took on multiple jobs, working tirelessly at the post office, and serving as a supervisor and security agent at Paris’s bustling Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est stations. Through sheer perseverance, he saved enough money to contemplate a return to his roots.
The Seed of an Idea
A visit to Cameroon to reconnect with family became a turning point for Tchoffo. Observing the abundant yet underutilized agricultural potential, particularly in cassava cultivation, he identified a promising opportunity. Cassava, a staple in many African diets, was predominantly grown by smallholder farmers using traditional methods, limiting its commercial potential. Tchoffo envisioned an agri-food production and processing unit that could revolutionize this sector.
In 2012, he invested his hard-earned savings into purchasing his first piece of land in Cameroon, laying the foundation for what would become Pafic Sarl. This venture aimed not only to cultivate cassava but also to process it into various value-added products, thereby enhancing its marketability and providing a sustainable income for local communities.
Building an Agricultural Empire
From its modest beginnings, Pafic Sarl has experienced remarkable growth. The company now oversees a sprawling 1,300-hectare cassava farm equipped with a processing facility capable of handling 20 tons daily. This capacity enables the production of a diverse range of cassava derivatives, including high-quality flour, garri (a popular West African food made from fermented and roasted cassava), and composite flour—a blend of cassava and corn flour tailored for baking applications.
Recognizing the potential of cassava as a substitute for wheat in baked goods, Tchoffo expanded into the bakery industry. His bakery transforms cassava flour into an array of products such as bread and croissants, offering consumers healthier and locally sourced alternatives to traditional wheat-based items. This innovation not only caters to local tastes but also addresses broader issues of food security and import dependence.
Diversification and Economic Impact
Pafic Sarl’s operations extend beyond cassava. The company processes palm oil into cosmetic products, tapping into the burgeoning beauty industry with natural and locally produced offerings. Additionally, Pafic Sarl has ventured into the beverage sector, producing bottled water sold at an affordable price of 200 francs for 1.65 liters, as well as margarine and soup products. This diversification strategy not only broadens the company’s market reach but also contributes to the local economy by creating a variety of employment opportunities.
Currently, Pafic Sarl operates five distribution points in Yaoundé, Cameroon’s capital. However, Tchoffo’s vision is far more expansive. He plans to increase the number of distribution outlets to 100, ensuring that a greater segment of the population has access to the company’s diverse product range. This expansion is poised to stimulate local economies, provide more jobs, and promote the consumption of locally produced goods.
Empowering the Community
One of the most significant impacts of Pafic Sarl is its role in employment generation. The company has created jobs for over 1,000 Cameroonians across various sectors, including farming, processing, and distribution. This employment surge has had a ripple effect on local communities, improving livelihoods and fostering economic development.
Beyond job creation, Tchoffo is committed to knowledge transfer and capacity building. He organizes masterclasses under the banner “Back to Africa,” aimed at encouraging the Cameroonian diaspora to invest in their homeland. These sessions provide insights into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in Africa, offering a roadmap for others to follow. By sharing his experiences, Tchoffo hopes to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs who will contribute to the continent’s growth and development.
Cassava: A Catalyst for Change
Cassava holds a central place in Cameroon’s agricultural landscape. As a drought-resistant crop, it thrives in the country’s diverse climates and is a dietary staple for millions. Despite its prevalence, cassava’s potential has been underexploited, with traditional farming methods limiting yields and market reach.
Tchoffo’s initiatives aim to change this narrative. By introducing modern agricultural practices and investing in processing infrastructure, Pafic Sarl adds value to raw cassava, transforming it into products with extended shelf lives and higher market value. This approach not only increases income for farmers but also reduces post-harvest losses, a significant issue in traditional cassava farming.
Moreover, by promoting cassava-based products as viable alternatives to wheat-based goods, Tchoffo addresses the country’s reliance on imported wheat. This shift has the potential to enhance food security, reduce foreign exchange expenditure on imports, and encourage the consumption of locally sourced foods.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While Pafic Sarl’s achievements are commendable, the journey has not been without challenges. The agricultural sector in Cameroon faces issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to financing, and fluctuating market prices.
