Cameroon

Current situation: For the current period of October to December 2024, a concerning 10.82% of the population in Cameroon is experiencing acute food and nutrition insecurity. This translates to a staggering 3,080,145 individuals facing a crisis or worse. Among these, 265,314 people are in emergency situations requiring immediate assistance, while 2,814,832 are grappling with a full-blown food crisis.Additionally, 5,868,144 people are categorized as being 'under pressure' (Phase 2), accounting for 21% of the population analyzed. This indicates a significant portion of the population is on the brink of food insecurity.

Projected situation: Looking ahead to the projected period from June to August 2025, the situation is not expected to improve significantly. Approximately 9.64% of the Cameroonian population, or 2,745,751 individuals, could be acutely food insecure. This includes 231,003 people in emergency situations and 2,514,748 in crisis.However, the number of people in Phase 2, those experiencing 'under pressure' conditions, is projected to rise to 5,550,733, representing 20% of the total population. This suggests that while the overall numbers might decrease slightly, the underlying food security challenges remain

The primary focus of the Food Security Sector in Cameroon is to support the coordination of three humanitarian responses, with FAO and WFP serving as co-leads and the government leading through the Groupe Technique de Travail sur la Sécurité Alimentaire (GTSA). In the Northwest Southwest (NWSW) response with a Food Security Cluster structure and in the Far North and East responses as well as at the national level through a sectoral approach.  Together, these approaches create a comprehensive Food Security Sector that enables organized and effective humanitarian responses to the diverse and urgent needs of affected populations in Cameroon.

• The conflict, began in late 2016, initially sparked by protests over the marginalization of English-speaking communities with armed groups emerging in 2017. 

• In 2018, due to the ongoing violence, widespread displacement, and pressing humanitarian needs, the Food Security Cluster was activated.

• The conflict continues to cause mass displacement and human rights abuses. People face random violence, abductions, killings, and destruction of property, driving thousands to become IDPs or refugees.

• In august 2024, the number of all incidents occurred in NWSW Regions are double compared to the entire year of 2023.

• The ongoing violence has devastated communities and severely impacted livelihoods, particularly in agriculture and livestock.

• The regions are grappling with severe food shortages, with more than 500,000 people at risk of acute food insecurity.

• The Far North was already Cameroon’s poorest region before the Boko Haram insurgency, with 74% of the population living below the poverty line.

• Crisis began in 2014 due to escalating violence and insurgency by Boko Haram marked by ongoing attacks, military responses, and the influx of refugees from Nigeria, and intercommunal conflicts, leading to widespread displacement.

• The situation is further exacerbated by natural disasters particularly frequent flooding in Mayo-Danay and Logone et Chari.

• Floods have destroyed agricultural lands and livestock, affected tens of thousands of people and exacerbated food insecurity.

• Food insecurity is widespread, worsened by conflict and climate shocks. Nearly 1 million people are expected to face food insecurity in the Far North by mid-2024.

• The crisis was triggered by ongoing violence and instability in CAR after the Seleka rebel coalition took control of the capital, Bangui, in 2013.

• Sporadic cross-border conflicts and violence in CAR have led to ongoing displacement in Cameroon’s East, Adamawa, and North regions.

• As of March 2024, Cameroon eastern regions hosts 333,276 CAR refugees, with numbers fluctuating based on the political situation in CAR.

• In the East, Adamawa, and North regions, over 590,000 people are affected, including refugees who are competing with locals for scarce resources.

• Economic Strain and Livelihoods: 
  The crises have deeply impacted the economy, particularly in agriculture and livestock, which form the backbone of livelihoods in many regions. Violence has disrupted production, particularly of cash crops like coffee and cocoa, and reduced income opportunities.
• Funding Shortages: 
  Humanitarian response efforts are hindered by significant funding gaps, particularly in food assistance, livelihood restoration, and anticipatory actions to address recurrent flooding. These shortages undermine the ability to provide timely and effective relief.