Cameroon’s food security status remains dire, as 2024 crop production was adversely affected by ongoing conflict and flooding. High food prices, including maize and rice, have contributed to a 7.6% inflation rate. The Cadre Harmonisé analysis estimates over 3 million people are facing severe food insecurity due to these factors.
Cameroon has experienced significant challenges in food security as reflected in the GIEWS Country Brief dated 6 March 2025. In 2024, agricultural production, particularly crops, was heavily impacted by ongoing conflict and adverse weather conditions, including severe flooding in the Far North Region. In this area, more than 85,000 hectares of farmland were destroyed, affecting approximately 450,000 individuals and leading to substantial livestock losses.
In central and southern regions, the secondary maize crop of 2024 was planted under favorable conditions, with harvesting commencing in January 2025. However, persistent insecurity in the Far North, Northwest, and Southwest regions has continued to hinder farmers’ access to necessary inputs and fields, negatively impacting overall crop outputs.
Prices of locally produced maize and imported rice remained high, contributing to an overall inflation rate of 7.6 percent in 2024 as reported by the National Statistics Institute. Following a price dip from March to September, locally produced maize saw a rise of 15 percent from October to December. Similarly, imported rice prices have consistently remained elevated throughout the year.
The Cadre Harmonisé analysis from October 2024 revealed alarming statistics, with over 3 million people, or 11 percent of the population, projected to face severe acute food insecurity during the last quarter of 2024. This situation has been exacerbated by ongoing violence and flooding, which has displaced large segments of the population and impeded agricultural activities.
In conclusion, Cameroon faces a critical food insecurity crisis influenced by conflict and adverse weather events. The ongoing violence in various regions has severely limited agricultural productivity and access to essential resources. Furthermore, high food prices and inflation have compounded the issue, leaving over 3 million individuals in a state of acute food insecurity. Immediate measures are required to address these challenges and support affected populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
