Agriculture, Food Security, and Livestock Development in Cameroon
Agriculture, Food Security, and Livestock Development in Cameroon
Agriculture is the backbone of Cameroon’s economy, employing over 70% of the rural population. In a country blessed with fertile lands and diverse ecological zones, agriculture holds immense potential for poverty reduction, food security, and sustainable development. However, rural communities still face significant challenges, including limited access to modern farming inputs, poor infrastructure, climate change, and livestock diseases.
At HAICAM (Humanitarian Aid Initiative Cameroon), we believe that transforming agriculture and improving food security is essential for uplifting vulnerable communities. Our agriculture, food security, and livestock development programs are designed to empower smallholder farmers, support resilient farming systems, and promote sustainable livelihoods.
Why Agriculture and Food Security Matter in Cameroon
Cameroon’s agriculture sector includes crops, livestock, fisheries, and forestry. While the country has the potential to become a regional food basket, productivity remains low due to outdated techniques, limited market access, and the impact of climate-related events like floods and droughts.
Key Statistics:
- Agriculture contributes about 17% to the GDP of Cameroon.
- Over 85% of food production is done by smallholder farmers.
- Malnutrition and hunger remain prevalent in rural and conflict-affected regions.
- Livestock farming is essential for food, income, and nutrition but is plagued by animal diseases and lack of veterinary care.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic and inclusive approach that ensures every household has access to nutritious food, sustainable incomes, and resilient agricultural systems.
HAICAM’s Approach to Agricultural Development
Our agricultural interventions are community-driven, evidence-based, and designed to scale. We work directly with farmers, cooperatives, local leaders, and government institutions to implement practical solutions. Our programs are focused on the following key pillars:
1. Improved Crop Production
We support farmers by providing:
- Quality seeds (drought-resistant, high-yield varieties)
- Organic and sustainable farming training
- Tools and equipment to increase efficiency
- Access to water sources and small-scale irrigation
This ensures year-round production and reduces seasonal hunger.
2. Food Security and Nutrition
HAICAM prioritizes the right to food as a human right. We work with communities to:
- Train families on nutrition-sensitive agriculture
- Promote backyard gardening for vegetables and fruits
- Support school feeding programs with locally sourced food
- Raise awareness on balanced diets and food hygiene
Our goal is to eliminate hunger, especially among children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
3. Livestock Development
Livestock farming plays a vital role in rural economies. HAICAM provides:
- Veterinary care and vaccination campaigns
- Training on animal husbandry and feed management
- Introduction of improved breeds
- Mobile animal health services in remote areas
These efforts increase productivity, reduce mortality, and improve household incomes.
Challenges Facing Agriculture and Livestock in Cameroon
Despite the potential, smallholder farmers face several systemic issues:
a) Climate Change
Unpredictable weather patterns and natural disasters have a severe impact on crop yields and livestock health.
b) Conflict and Displacement
In conflict-affected regions, farmers have fled their lands, livestock has been stolen, and farming infrastructure destroyed, increasing food insecurity.
c) Gender Inequality
Women, who make up over half the agricultural workforce, often lack land ownership rights, access to finance, and decision-making power.
d) Lack of Market Access
Most farmers cannot access fair markets or preserve their produce due to poor infrastructure, high post-harvest losses, and middlemen exploitation.
HAICAM designs its agricultural programs to address these challenges through inclusive, equitable, and sustainable strategies.
Sustainable Solutions for Long-Term Impact
We focus on sustainability and community ownership. Our strategies include:
1. Climate-Smart Agriculture
We promote conservation agriculture, agroforestry, and water harvesting to help communities adapt to climate change.
2. Agri-Business and Value Chains
We train farmers on entrepreneurship, cooperative formation, and agro-processing to move from subsistence to market-oriented farming.
3. Digital Agriculture Tools
We introduce mobile-based weather alerts, market prices, and e-extension services to bridge the information gap for farmers.
4. Youth and Women Empowerment
We ensure women and youth have access to land, training, and finance to start agribusinesses, creating jobs and reducing rural-urban migration.
Livestock Care and Resilience Building
Healthy livestock is essential for nutrition and livelihoods. Our livestock development projects include:
- Mobile Veterinary Clinics: We operate outreach services to treat animals in hard-to-reach areas.
- Animal Nutrition Training: We teach farmers how to feed livestock cost-effectively using local resources.
- Disease Control and Monitoring: We work with local authorities to conduct disease surveillance and emergency response.
- Pastoralist Support: We work with nomadic herders to improve rangeland management and peaceful coexistence with farmers.
Impact Stories from the Field
Mariam’s Journey to Food Security – Far North Region
Mariam, a widow with 5 children, struggled with hunger and poverty after her farmland was lost to flooding. With HAICAM’s support, she received vegetable seeds, training, and tools. Today, she runs a successful garden, feeding her family and selling surplus at the local market.
Youth Agri-Cooperative in Northwest Cameroon
HAICAM helped form a youth cooperative that now cultivates maize and raises poultry. The group has not only created employment but also supplies eggs and vegetables to nearby schools, improving child nutrition.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
To maximize impact, HAICAM partners with:
- Local governments and agricultural departments
- International NGOs and UN agencies
- Research institutions and universities
- Community-based organizations (CBOs)
- Donors and volunteers
Together, we strengthen food systems and build agricultural resilience.
Get Involved
Agriculture and food security are everyone’s concern. You can contribute to HAICAM’s mission in many ways:
- Donate: Your support helps provide seeds, tools, and training to farmers.
- Volunteer: Share your skills in agricultural education, animal care, or nutrition.
- Partner with Us: We welcome collaborations to scale sustainable agriculture initiatives.
- Advocate: Help us raise awareness about food insecurity and climate resilience in Cameroon.
Conclusion
At HAICAM, we envision a Cameroon where every family has access to nutritious food, dignified livelihoods, and a healthy environment. Through innovative agriculture and livestock programs, we are restoring hope, increasing resilience, and breaking the cycle of poverty. Our mission is rooted in community empowerment and long-term sustainability.
Join us in growing a hunger-free and self-sufficient future. Together, we can cultivate change—one farm, one family, one future at a time.