对于以种植纤维为生的喀麦隆棉农来说，好消息即将到来：价格上涨，成本即将下降。
虽然远低于今年早些时候的 $2.00/lb 高位，但价格仍然具有吸引力（比 2009 年高出 40% 以上），政府计划通过增加化肥补贴来帮助降低投入成本，降低价格根据 Radio Natherlands Worldwide 的报道，每袋超过 $5.20。
Growers in Cameroon still face significant challenges, however. While the global economic recession has largely been blamed for the recent declines in production — from 146,000 tons in 2008/09 to about 110,000 tons in 2009/10 — there is also no small amount of criticism being directed at Sodecoton (Society for the Development of Cotton in Cameroon). While it assists farmers by providing funds to get their businesses off the ground and purchase tools and inputs, farmers are essentially obligated to sell their production to the Society. Some growers bypass the policy and sell directly to buyers in neighboring countries at prices much higher than Sodecoton pays, creating an unfair business environment.
要阅读更多关于棉花的故事，请访问 Cotton International’s website.