The Government of the Republic of Korea and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) have partnered to enhance food insecurity and resilience for 1,500 smallholder farmers and their families in the Far North, Cameroon.
WFP has welcomed a US$ 1 million contribution which will enable them to empower local smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth, by promoting climate-resilient and sustainable farming practices, such as using drought-resistant crops and efficient methods.
The information was made known in a Press release dated September 30, 2024.
The contribution will enhance post-harvest management and improve storage techniques to reduce crop losses. Through the partnership, WFP will make deliberate efforts to increase farmers’ income by connecting them to market opportunities and establishing value chains.
According to WFP’s Acting Country Director in Cameroon, Aboubacar Guindo, “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”.
“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” he added.
According to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Cameroon, Nam Ki-Wook, the Korean government aims to address critical challenges and foster sustainable development in the region through the partnership. “Our contribution is intended to create long-lasting improvements in the lives of the affected communities” Ki-Wook pointed out.
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 threatens agriculture production and livelihoods.
The release also highlighted that 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.
Need for action
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).
WFP in Cameroon
WFP in Cameroon 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.