Tomato Powder: Drying the Way To Self Sufficiency

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Tomato Powder: Drying the Way To Self Sufficiency

Pioneered through ERK Enterprise based in Buea, it offers a solution to post-harvest losses while providing a 100% natural, budget-friendly alternative to imported options.

11 Nov 2026 10:27

T he initiative to trans form perishable agri cultural commodities into high-value pantry essentials stems from a cri tical challenge. Cameroon produces abundant quantities of tomatoes, but seasonal peaks often leave farmers struggling to secure markets, resulting in heavy wastage and financial losses. This obstacle was converted into an economic opportunity by Ruth Elage, founder of ERK Enterprise. Starting with a modest working capital of FCFA 500,000, she built an agrifood processing venture that not only manufactures natural powdered tomato alongside a diverse catalogue of wholesome local goods. To sustain production and support local value chains, ERK Enterprise relies entirely on a localized supply network. Fresh, mature tomatoes are sourced directly through local agricultural markets and trus ted regional suppliers across the Southwest Region and beyond. Through local sour cing, the enterprise stren gthens direct relationships with farmers, minimizes im port dependence, and helps stabilize agricultural value chains. Once processed through controlled dehydration and milling, the four man staff ensures production yields follow precise conversion ratios. Roughly 10 kg to 15 kg of fresh tomatoes yield about 1kg of finished pow der....