Natural disasters and Climate change at the root of community crises in Cameroon.
Climate scenarios for Cameroon predict warming in all regions by 2050, with significant and widespread temperature increases in the northern regions. Climate events and climate change are leading to reduced rainfall, water scarcity and soil depletion, affecting the livelihoods of farmers, herders, and fishermen. The consequences of climate change affect agricultural production and transhumance routes, and lead to a shortage of fish as ponds dry up and river levels fall. The reduction in resources available to herders, farmers and fishermen further exposes communities to the risk of malnutrition.
In the Logone et Chari division, Far North Region, there is an influx of people seeking proximity to water points and access to fishing resources around Lake Chad and the Logone river due to conflict and climatic events. These demographic changes put additional pressure on natural resources. Climate change is leading to forced population displacement and to preventing their return. Farmers are also increasingly using land traditionally used for grazing. At the same time, animal numbers are increasing, and available grazing land are decreasing, forcing herders to move their herds further south and use land normally reserved for agriculture.
On 25 April 2024, the International Crisis Group released its report on curbing feuds over water in Cameroon's Far North region, highlighting the long-standing disputes between communities in the Logone and Chari division over water and land resources. Between 2021 and 2023, a series of inter-community tensions and conflicts led to the displacement of some 15,000 people. Despite efforts by the government to address the situation, similar clashes resurfaced in November 2023. Underlying tensions have also increased between other communities the Mayo-Sava, Mayo-Tsanaga, Mayo-Danay and Diamare divisions.
While the northern regions of the country are exposed to extreme temperatures and episodes of flooding, rising temperatures in the southern regions of the country could lead to more severe episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding or landslides. Deforestation combined with the construction of new settlements in vulnerable areas leads to loss of life, displacement, and increased vulnerability.
On 27 March 2024, heavy rains accompanied by strong winds hit the village of Etam in the Tombel sub-division of the South-West region. The storm, which lasted about four hours, caused significant damage to both property and farmland, affecting crops vital to the community's livelihood. Around 160 houses were partially or completely destroyed leaving many families homeless. Humanitarian partners carried out a needs assessment to better coordinate efforts for the well-being and recovery of the affected population.
Other areas, such as Limbe in the South-West region, are prone to annual flooding due to rising water levels. Given its coastal location, Cameroon is expected to experience the effects of sea level rise over the next decades. Coastal flooding is expected to contribute to the loss of wetlands, salinization of agricultural land, increased soil erosion and violent winds. In the western highlands, erosion, landslides, and droughts are projected to become more frequent.