Famine in Drought Affected Areas

The far northern districts of Cameroon in Mayo Kani, Mayo Danaï, Logone and Chari are again facing acute food shortages. Reuters Yaounde, reported on May 20^th that, "swarms of locusts have descended on Cameroon's arid Far North province, exacerbating fears of food shortages in a region where low rainfall has already hit crop yields". The region is most densely populated province in Cameroon with a population of about three million – and where it is estimated that around 75% of the inhabitants can be classified as vulnerable. There are very few employment opportunities in this area with most of the population dependent on rain fed agriculture.

The usual hunger period peaks in July and August. The low and erratic rainfall has drastically affected agricultural production, prices have rocketed sky-high and purchase of basic food items is beyond the means of the average person. People are selling what little possessions they have in order to feed their families or obtain necessary medicines. If no assistance is forthcoming the famine will soon take its toll and the most vulnerable, especially children and elderly may be seriously affected.

ACT member Lutheran Brethren Church of Cameroon (LBCC) is proposing to provide cereals for the most vulnerable families. In 2001, LBCC under ACT appeal AFCM11 responded to a similar disaster.

Project Completion Date: 31 August 2005

Total Appeal Target(s): 142,355

Less: Pledges/Contr. Recd.: 0

Balance Requested from ACT Alliance: 142,355

Jessie Kgoroeadira
Acting Director
ACT Coordinating Office