Article: Exploring the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon: addressing food security and sustained agriculture Journal: Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal (PIE) 2025 Vol.18 No.2/3 pp.137 - 153 Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon as a sustainable approach to addressing challenges such as land degradation, urbanisation, and climate change. Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through interviews with 12 key stakeholders, including farmers, investors in the agricultural field, and agribusiness experts. Findings reveal that vertical farming can significantly enhance urban food security by optimising space use, reducing water consumption, and enabling year-round production. Aquaponics emerged as the most cost-effective model, with respondents highlighting its resource efficiency and dual benefits of crop and fish production. However, adoption is hindered by high start-up costs, infrastructure deficits, and limited policy support. The study proposes a stakeholder-aligned vertical farming business model tailored to Cameroon's unique context, integrating financial incentives, training, and government support to facilitate adoption. This research contributes to the literature by providing region-specific insights into vertical farming's economic viability and operational challenges while also offering policymakers and industry players a practical framework to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in Cameroon. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Exploring the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon: addressing food security and sustained agriculture

Authors: Vikih Edith Vefemsi

Addresses: Hochschule der Wirtschaft für Management, Oskar-Meixner-Straße 4-6, 68163 Mannheim, Germany

Abstract: This study investigates the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon as a sustainable approach to addressing challenges such as land degradation, urbanisation, and climate change. Using a qualitative research design, data was collected through interviews with 12 key stakeholders, including farmers, investors in the agricultural field, and agribusiness experts. Findings reveal that vertical farming can significantly enhance urban food security by optimising space use, reducing water consumption, and enabling year-round production. Aquaponics emerged as the most cost-effective model, with respondents highlighting its resource efficiency and dual benefits of crop and fish production. However, adoption is hindered by high start-up costs, infrastructure deficits, and limited policy support. The study proposes a stakeholder-aligned vertical farming business model tailored to Cameroon's unique context, integrating financial incentives, training, and government support to facilitate adoption. This research contributes to the literature by providing region-specific insights into vertical farming's economic viability and operational challenges while also offering policymakers and industry players a practical framework to enhance food security and sustainable agriculture in Cameroon.

Keywords: vertical farming; food security; sustainable agriculture; Cameroon; aquaponics; business models; stakeholder engagement; government supports.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2025.151220

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2025 Vol.18 No.2/3, pp.137 - 153

Received: 02 Dec 2024
Accepted: 18 Mar 2025
Published online: 19 Jan 2026 *

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Title: Exploring the feasibility of vertical farming business models in Cameroon: addressing food security and sustained agriculture

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