The GIEWS Country Brief for Cameroon reports ongoing food security challenges as of March 2025, highlighting that crop production in 2024 suffered due to conflict and flooding. Over 3 million individuals are estimated to face severe food insecurity, driven by violence and economic pressures. High inflation rates, particularly in food prices, compound the crisis, necessitating urgent intervention.
The GIEWS Country Brief for Cameroon as of March 6, 2025, highlights critical food security issues. Crop production in 2024 continued to face challenges primarily due to ongoing conflicts, particularly in the northern areas. The completion of the harvest for millet and sorghum in November 2024 marked a significant but troubled agricultural season, marred by devastating floods in the Far North Region that affected over 85,000 hectares of land.
The exceptional flooding also resulted in the loss of more than 5,278 livestock and severely impacted fodder availability, affecting approximately 450,000 individuals in rural communities. In the central and southern regions, favorable weather allowed farmers to plant secondary season maize in October 2024, with harvesting commencing in January 2025. However, persistent insecurity continues to limit agricultural access and production capabilities across multiple regions.
The National Statistics Institute (INS) reported a significant rise in the inflation rate, reaching 7.6 percent in 2024, largely driven by food price increases. Despite a temporary drop in locally produced maize prices, there was a subsequent rise of 15 percent between October and December. Prices for imported rice also remained elevated year-on-year, contributing to widespread economic stress.
The analysis from the Cadre Harmonisé (CH) indicated that over 3 million people, representing 11 percent of the population, were experiencing severe acute food insecurity from October to December 2024. This crisis is primarily attributed to ongoing armed violence in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions, along with the displacement caused by the flooding in the Far North.
In conclusion, Cameroon faces a serious food security crisis exacerbated by conflict and environmental factors. With over 3 million individuals estimated to be severely food insecure and ongoing challenges in crop production, the situation demands urgent attention and action from both national and international stakeholders. Enhanced support for agricultural resilience and security measures is crucial to address the immediate needs of vulnerable populations and stabilize food systems in the affected regions.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
