Unprecedented Acute Hunger Affects Millions of People in Cameroon
The devastating effects of acute hunger in Cameroon have reached unprecedented levels, leaving millions of people in a dire state of food insecurity. The situation has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflicts within the country. Civilians, who bear the brunt of this crisis, are calling for urgent assistance to alleviate their suffering.
One internally displaced man, Booba, paints a grim picture of the realities faced by many Cameroonians. Since we were forced to flee our village in 2018, it is difficult to get even white rice to eat, and with 11 people in our small house, it is unbearable, he laments. Booba’s story is just one among countless others facing similar hardships.
The humanitarian situation in Cameroon has worsened in recent years, putting immense strain on the already fragile humanitarian system. COVID-19 has played a significant role in the worsening crisis, as businesses across the country have been forced to shut down, leaving people without a source of income. Consequently, accessing basic necessities such as food has become increasingly challenging for many.
Insecurity remains a prevailing issue, particularly in the Northwest and Southwest regions, where conflicts, natural resource disputes, and floods continue to disrupt food security. According to the latest findings from the Cadre Harmonisé report in October 2023, 2,940,807 individuals, accounting for 10.6% of the population, are facing acute food insecurity. Alarmingly, the Mid-Year Update for the 2023 Global Report against Food Crises reveals that 22% of the population is in phase 2 of acute food insecurity, with another 10% in phase 3. These figures represent a significant increase compared to previous years.
Furthermore, between June and August 2023, projections indicated that 2.36 million people were expected to experience Crisis or Worse conditions in Cameroon. This alarming statistic accounts for approximately 9% of the analyzed population, amplifying the urgent need for assistance. Unfortunately, the situation is far from improving, as the prevalence of crisis-level food-based coping strategies stands at 36.96%, while insufficient food consumption affects 40.07% of the population.
Conflict and insecurity remain the primary drivers of acute food insecurity, posing significant challenges for regions affected by both internal displacement and refugee populations. The Northwest and Southwest regions, embroiled in a socio-political crisis, are particularly vulnerable, while the Far North, North, Littoral, West, and East regions are also grappling with strained household stocks and diminishing productive resources.
As the world grapples with numerous crises, it is essential to direct attention to the acute hunger emergency unfolding in Cameroon. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and concerned individuals must rally together to ensure the delivery of timely, safe, and effective humanitarian assistance to those most in need. It is the collective responsibility of the international community to protect civilians and mitigate the devastating impact of hunger on vulnerable populations.
The plight of millions of Cameroonians requires immediate action, not only to address their acute hunger but also to provide durable solutions that can help them rebuild their lives. The world must unite to combat this escalating crisis and alleviate the suffering of those affected by acute food insecurity in Cameroon.
