1.3 million people need aid in Cameroon’s Far North
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Stopblablacam
Nearly 1.3 million people need humanitarian aid in Cameroon’s Far North in 2026, while rains are nearly two months late in several departments. Rainfall deficits estimated at 20% to 50% threaten maize, millet and cowpea harvests, according to Action Against Hunger and FEWS NET.
Nearly 1.3 million people need humanitarian assistance in Cameroon’s Far North in 2026, representing nearly 45% of the 2.9 million people affected across the country, according to Action Against Hunger and humanitarian data cited by the European Commission. Insecurity in the Lake Chad basin, population displacement and climate shocks are disrupting farming and pastoral activities.
The start of the rainy season was delayed by nearly two months in several departments, said Salissou Sabo Mainassara, Action Against Hunger’s food security and livelihoods adviser for Central Africa. Delayed sowing has forced farmers to replant their plots in Logone-et-Chari, Mayo-Danay, Mayo-Sava and Mayo-Tsanaga, raising fears of insufficient harvests of maize, millet and cowpeas.
FEWS NET, a food security early-warning network, recorded a rainfall deficit of 20% to 50% below the average in Logone-et-Chari between June and September. Rising fertiliser prices, difficult access to inputs and insecurity could lead to below-average agricultural production. Pastures and water points are becoming scarcer, while falling water levels are reducing catches and fishermen’s incomes, according to Action Against Hunger.
The humanitarian situation is unfolding amid persistent insecurity in the region, following a deadly Boko Haram attack in Kotserehe, on 20 October. The attack led the Cameroonian army to strengthen its presence in the locality.
