Cameroon: Humanitarian action saves lives, restores hope

People affected by floods receive cash support, Logone Birni, Far North Cameroon. Photo: FAO Cameroon

Humanitarian workers are making a difference in Cameroon, where 3.3 million people need assistance and protection.

Armed violence, natural hazards and disease outbreaks in the Far North, North-West and South-West Regions have left many people struggling to recover.

But many are finding ways to rebuild their lives thanks to Government partnerships, the generosity of host communities and the international community’s vital support.

Empowering girls through agriculture

In Mavoumai, Far North Region, young women are reshaping their future through agriculture, with support from the international non-governmental organization Plan International. In 2023, the organization helped them rent one hectare of farmland and provided farming equipment and seeds. The women, all students, then formed an association to continue working on the land, growing maize and beans. They sew and sell dresses at the local market to finance costs.

“This land you see is our freedom,” said Madina, one of the leaders. “It keeps us in school and away from early marriage.”

Supported by the Mokolo Council and local leaders, the group proves that girls can lead, learn and earn while changing how their community sees them.

Madina, in a brown-coloured hijab, and her peers at a meeting with community leaders, Mokolo. Far North Cameroon. Photo: Plan International

Restoring independence

Fanta Rahibatou, 18, struggled at school due to severe short-sightedness. She could barely read the chalkboard, and sunlight worsened her condition.

In September 2024, Fanta received spectacles from Christian Blind Mission (CBM) during a mobile clinic in Mora, organized at her school. The difference was immediate: Fanta’s ranking in her class jumped from forty-fifth to third.

Fanta can now read her notes, thanks to her new glasses. Photo: CBM Cameroon

Still in Mora, Dougounasi Raounda lost his left leg after a snake bite. In August 2024, CBM provided a prosthesis and registered him for vocational training in carpentry, after which he received carpentry tools to set up his own workshop.

Raounda watches as the production of his prosthetic limb is finalized. Photo: CBM Cameroon

Saving lives

Idrissa Abdoul, a trader and farmer in Kerawa, in the Far North Region, was badly injured in May when armed men attacked his motorcycle. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) performed two surgeries on his leg, and a third is planned.

“I already feel much better,” said Idrissar.

Idrissa smiles as he recovers from his injuries in Kolofata, Far North Cameroon. Photo: Médecins Sans Frontières

Talba, a resident of Mora, was shot in the head and leg when he and seven other bus passengers were ambushed by non-State armed groups in December 2024. MSF operated on his injuries and provided psychological support and physiotherapy.

“I thought I would never walk again. Now, I can move on my own,” he shared.

Talba at a doctor’s appointment, Far North Region, Cameroon. Photo: MSF

Enhancing anticipatory actions

In 2024 floods destroyed homes and farmland in Logone Birni, in the Far North Region. The Food and Agriculture Organization, the European Union and local partners helped build a dyke to protect their community. Farmers also received seeds, livestock feed and cash transfers to help them recover.

“With the cash we bought food, rebuilt our homes and sent the children back to school,” said Abakar, a farmer and father of four.

Restoring hope

In Buea, South-West Region, Ebot Grace, a widow and mother of five, became financially independent after joining a programme run by the World Food Programme and local faith-based organization Caritas Kumba, where she learned to make and sell liquid soap, detergent and coconut oil.

“After the training I started selling my products. The income enables my children to eat and go to school,” Grace explained.

In Bamenda, Kusumi Umi, a widow and mother of six, received capacity training and livelihood support from humanitarian partners.

“I was trained in business, and I received food supplies like flour, beans and oil to start a trade,” Kusumi said. “Today, I can afford to take my children to the hospital, pay their school fees and even pay my house rent. I am extremely grateful for this support.”

Ebot Grace sells her home-made liquid soap in front of her house in Buea, South-West Region. Photo: WFP Cameroon

Supporting refugees

Cameroon hosts more than 422,000 refugees, mainly from the Central African Republic (CAR) and Nigeria. In Bertoua, East Region, Abdul Karim, a refugee from CAR, now farms his own plot thanks to humanitarian support.

“I used to rely on petty jobs. Now I grow food for my family, and we have water and toilets,” Abdul said.

Abdul Karim on his farm in Bertoua, East Region, Cameroon. Photo: UNHCR Cameroon

Commitment amid challenges

In the first quarter of 2025, humanitarian partners reached more than 360,000 people in crisis-affected regions. Yet access constraints, insecurity and funding shortages persist. As of 8 September 2025, the Humanitarian Response Plan is nearly 17 per cent funded, leaving many urgent needs unmet.

Call to action

These stories show what humanitarian action achieves in Cameroon. Every farm plot, every pair of glasses, every operation, every legal document represents a step towards dignity and recovery. But millions more people still need urgent help.