This chapter assesses the likely impact of Economic Partnership Agreements, as
proposed by the EU, on poverty reduction and sustainable development in Cameroon,
from the angle of civil society. In this analysis it gives focus in particular to tariff and
non-tariff barriers. The first part aims to provide a snapshot of poverty in Cameroon,
an overview of trade flows and the level integration in Central Africa, the region
through which Cameroon is supposed to partner the EU in the new trade
arrangements. Secondly, it seeks to identify a number of obstacles hindering
Cameroon from using the current ACP-EU trade arrangements as a tool for
sustainable development and poverty reduction. Thirdly it tries to forecast (with a
focus on the poultry industry) the likely implications of EPAs, if based on liberalised
trade101, on poverty eradication and sustainable development. Finally, on the basis of the above, it attempts to set down benchmarks for new ACP-EU trade arrangements
that effectively contribute to poverty eradication.
The chapter draws from both the extensive literature on the subject and the results of
interviews with relevant officials and stakeholders.