Cameroon: Advances in Food Security in the North of the Country
A European Union-funded project in northern Cameroon has shown promising results in improving food security, enhancing women's access to land, and increasing crop yields.
Intelligence analysis by Gemini 2.5 Flash Lite
Three years into an EU governance project in Cameroon's northern and Adamaoua regions, significant strides have been made against food insecurity. The initiative, supported by a civil society consortium, has led to better harvests, empowered women with land access, and reduced household hunger, though challenges like artisanal gold mining's impact on arable land remain.
Imagine a big project in northern Cameroon that helps farmers grow more food. It taught them to use compost instead of strong chemicals, so their plants grow much bigger! It also helped women get their own land to farm, so they can sell food and earn money. This means fewer people are hungry, but some land is still being used for mining, which needs to be fixed.
Analysis
Enhanced Agricultural Productivity Through Sustainable Practices
The project, initiated three years ago with European Union funding and implemented by a consortium of three civil society organizations, has demonstrably improved agricultural output in Cameroon's northern and Adamaoua regions. A key success has been the adoption of sustainable farming techniques, such as the use of compost and biofertilizers, which have significantly boosted yields. Dominique Kegoum from Relufa, a network fighting hunger, highlighted that producers using these methods have seen their harvests increase from one to two sacks of millet or maize per hectare to as much as four sacks. This shift away from chemical fertilizers not only enhances productivity but also promotes environmental sustainability, a critical factor in regions facing resource scarcity.
Empowering Women Through Land Access and Economic Opportunity
A significant social outcome of the project has been the improved access to land for women, a demographic often marginalized in agricultural sectors. In Banyo, Adamaoua region, beneficiaries like Petel Gogo Assoumaou are now cultivating larger plots, specifically for plantains, with the support of project-provided seeds. This access is translating into tangible economic benefits, as these women are preparing to sell their produce in local markets. Such initiatives are vital for fostering gender equality and economic empowerment, contributing to household resilience and community development by enabling women to become more active participants in the local economy.
Persistent Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite these encouraging advancements, the region continues to grapple with substantial challenges that threaten long-term food security. The impact of artisanal gold mining (orpaillage) on arable land is a major concern, rendering fertile ground unusable for agriculture. Stephen Peedel from the EU delegation in Cameroon emphasized the need to restore these lands for other uses. Furthermore, in 2024, over three million people in the three northern regions of Cameroon were still experiencing food insecurity, underscoring the scale of the problem. Addressing these multifaceted issues will require continued investment, integrated approaches that balance resource extraction with agricultural needs, and sustained support for local communities.
Key points
- A European Union-funded project in northern Cameroon has improved food security over three years.
- The initiative has led to better crop yields through sustainable farming methods like composting.
- Women have gained improved access to land, enabling them to cultivate and sell produce.
- Challenges remain, including the negative impact of artisanal gold mining on agricultural land.
- Over three million people in northern Cameroon faced food insecurity in 2024.
If these sustainable agricultural practices continue to be adopted and expanded, crop yields could further increase, significantly bolstering food availability and reducing reliance on external aid. The empowerment of women through land access may also lead to greater economic stability and improved household nutrition across the region.
The ongoing impact of artisanal gold mining on arable land poses a significant threat to sustained agricultural productivity, potentially undermining the project's gains. Without effective land restoration and management strategies, food insecurity could persist or even worsen for the millions already affected.
