Republic of Korea and WFP partner to enhance food security in Cameroon's far North Region

The contribution will enable WFP to empower local smallholder farmers, particularly women and the youth, by promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices, such as using drought-resistant crops and efficient irrigation methods.  WFP will also enhance post-harvest management and improve storage techniques to reduce crop losses. Deliberate efforts will be made to increase farmers’ income by connecting them to market opportunities and establishing value chains.

“This support is more than just a lifeline for those struggling in Cameroon’s Far North; it is a beacon of hope for a future where communities can thrive despite the odds” said Aboubacar Guindo, WFP’s Acting Country Director in Cameroon. “Thanks to the generous support of the Republic of Korea, we can empower the most vulnerable to address food insecurity and build resilience against the devastating impacts of climate change and conflict”.

The Far North is one of Cameroon’s most vulnerable regions facing severe food insecurity exacerbated by the worsening climate change effects such as frequent droughts and floods, and the ongoing conflict, which threaten agriculture production and livelihoods. Between July and August 2024, over 140,000 people in the region were impacted by floods, which devastated their homes, crops livestock and social infrastructure. 

“Through this partnership, the Korean government aims to address these critical challenges and foster sustainable development in the region,” said Nam Ki-Wook, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cameroon. “Our contribution is intended to create long-lasting improvements in the lives of the affected communities.”

According to the March 2024 Cadre Harmonisé food security analysis, nearly 1 million people in Cameroon were projected to experience acute hunger between June and August 2024. In the Far North region, nearly half (44.5%) of households face inadequate food consumption, and almost one third (28.4%) use emergency coping strategies such as reducing meals, eating less preferred food, relying on aid, or borrowing food during the lean season (June-August).

Overall, in Cameroon, WFP focuses on addressing food insecurity and malnutrition through emergency relief and recovery programmes. This includes the provision of cash and food assistance to crisis-affected people, school meals to primary school children, nutrition support and services to children under 5, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers, and food assistance for asset creation. The main objective is to improve school attendance and learning, enhance local agricultural productivity, improve access to nutrition, and strengthen community resilience to climate shocks. WFP is dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and fostering sustainable development throughout the country.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters, and the impact of climate change.

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