Food Security Challenges in Cameroon: A 2024 Overview

In 2024, Cameroon faced critical food insecurity exacerbated by conflict and flooding, with over 3 million people severely affected. Crop production suffered due to insecurity and floods, which devastated farmland and livestock. Food prices, particularly for maize and rice, remained high amid a national inflation rate of 7.6%.

The food security situation in Cameroon for 2024 underwent significant challenges predominantly caused by ongoing conflicts and adverse weather conditions. Harvesting of millet and sorghum finished in November 2024 in northern areas, but catastrophic floods in the Far North Region affected over 85,000 hectares of farmland, resulting in substantial livestock losses and impacting approximately 450,000 individuals in rural communities. Despite favorable conditions in central and southern regions for maize planting, persistent insecurity limited agricultural productivity overall.

Prices for essential food items such as locally produced maize and imported rice reached high levels relative to the previous year. The National Statistics Institute (INS) reported a 2024 inflation rate of 7.6 percent, largely attributed to rising food costs. Following a period of fluctuation, maize prices rose by 15 percent between October and December 2024 after a brief decline, while prices for imported rice similarly remained elevated.

The Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis from October 2024 revealed that over 3 million individuals, equating to 11 percent of Cameroon’s total population, were projected to experience severe acute food insecurity (CH Phase 3 [Crisis] or above) during October to December. This crisis stems from ongoing armed conflict in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions, as well as significant flooding contributing to extensive population displacement.

In conclusion, Cameroon is grappling with a severe food security crisis in 2024, driven by conflict and natural disasters. The combination of diminished crop production, soaring food prices, and the alarming proportion of the population facing food insecurity highlights the urgent need for interventions to address these issues. Continuous efforts are essential to stabilize agricultural activities and support vulnerable communities affected by ongoing turmoil.

Original Source: reliefweb.int