Cameroon Food Security Analysis: March 2025 Overview

Crop production in Cameroon in 2024 has been severely impacted by conflict and flooding, affecting over 3 million people who are facing acute food insecurity. Food prices, including those of maize and rice, have risen significantly. The economic challenges are compounded by an inflation rate of 7.6 percent, driven primarily by food price increases.

In Cameroon, the agricultural landscape in 2024 has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflicts and adverse weather conditions. Harvesting of millet and sorghum in the unimodal rainfall northern regions was concluded in November 2024. However, the Far North Region suffered from severe flooding, affecting over 85,000 hectares of farmland and resulting in the death of more than 5,278 livestock, which severely impacted approximately 450,000 rural inhabitants. Challenges related to insecurity persisted in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions, inhibiting farmers’ access to essential resources and negatively affecting crop yields.

The economic environment in Cameroon has also been influenced by rapid inflation, which reached 7.6 percent in 2024, largely driven by food price increases. The National Statistics Institute (INS) reported that, after a temporary drop, prices of locally produced maize surged by 15 percent from October to December 2024, maintaining consistently high levels for imported rice. This price volatility has compounded the challenges faced by the population in meeting their basic food needs.

The Cadre Harmonisé (CH) analysis from October 2024 revealed that approximately 3 million people, or 11 percent of Cameroon’s population, were grappling with severe acute food insecurity between October and December 2024. The alarming situation stemmed mainly from ongoing armed violence in key regions and the flooding that dislocated many individuals, exacerbating food insecurity in the nation.

The food security situation in Cameroon remains precarious due to ongoing conflicts and the repercussions of adverse weather events. With over 3 million individuals facing severe food insecurity and fluctuating food prices, the challenges are substantial. Both economic instability and environmental factors continue to hinder agricultural production, particularly in the most affected regions of the country. Immediate attention and action are essential to address these pressing issues and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int