October 22, 2024
Author: Trésor Daniel MEFIRE
Country: Cameroon
Photo credit: Trésor Daniel MEFIRE/Field Data
SUMMARY
Drought has become a critical issue in the Far North region of Cameroon, affecting over 1.5 million people and leading to significant food insecurity, with agricultural production declining by up to 50% during severe drought years (ReliefWeb, 2023; FAO, 2020). The region's semi-arid climate is characterized by erratic rainfall patterns, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation and land degradation. Factors such as rising temperatures and increased competition for limited resources due to population pressure further intensify the situation (IPCC, 2021; WRI, 2022). The consequences are multifaceted, including food insecurity, economic strain on livestock herders and health risks associated with inadequate access to clean drinking water (WHO, 2022).
To combat these challenges, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, including sustainable land management practices like agroforestry and conservation agriculture, alongside effective water resource management strategies such as rainwater harvesting with efficient irrigation systems. Community-based adaptation measures, including early weather warning systems and livelihood diversification, are also recommended. Furthermore, enhancing policy support through climate change adaptation planning and investment in research is crucial for improving resilience against drought impacts. Overall, a collaborative and comprehensive approach involving governments, NGOs and local communities is essential for securing a sustainable future for this vulnerable region.
BACKGROUND
How can Cameroon adapt to the challenges of increasing drought?
Introduction
Drought has become a significant concern in the Far North region of Cameroon, where the impacts are increasingly severe. Recent reports indicate that over 1.5 million people in this region are facing food insecurity due to prolonged drought conditions, with agricultural production declining by as much as 50% during severe drought years (ReliefWeb, 2023; FAO, 2020). This alarming situation is exacerbated by climate change, environmental degradation and socio-economic factors that threaten the livelihoods of local communities. Understanding the reasons behind the increasing frequency and severity of droughts is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies.
1. Situation of Drought in Cameroon’s Far North Region
The Far North region of Cameroon is characterized by its semi-arid climate, with increasingly erratic rainfall patterns. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), projections indicate that temperatures in this region will continue to rise, leading to reduced rainfall and more prolonged dry periods (IPCC, 2021). The situation has become critical, as local farmers and herders rely heavily on consistent rainfall for their livelihoods.
In the past few decades, the region has experienced significant drought events, with some areas reporting a decrease in annual precipitation by as much as 30% over the last 50 years (World Resources Institute [WRI], 2022). This decline in rainfall has resulted in severe water shortages, affecting agricultural production and leading to food insecurity for many households. In 2023, reports indicated that over 1.5 million people in the Far North were facing food insecurity due to prolonged drought conditions (ReliefWeb, 2023).
2. Causes of Increasing Drought
Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts in the Far North region:
Climate Change: The impacts of climate change are perhaps the most significant drivers of increased drought conditions. Rising temperatures have been linked to changes in precipitation patterns, resulting in longer dry seasons and shorter rainy periods (IPCC, 2021). The IPCC predicts that by 2050, northern Cameroon will experience more extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts.
Deforestation: The loss of forest cover due to agricultural expansion and logging has exacerbated drought conditions. Conflicts have also increased the number of refugees who destroy trees in protected areas for fuel (WRI, 2022; HEC, 2022). Trees play a crucial role in maintaining the water cycle by facilitating rainfall through transpiration. The destruction of forests leads to reduced moisture in the atmosphere and contributes to soil degradation, further diminishing agricultural productivity.
Land Degradation: Unsustainable agricultural practices have led to soil erosion and degradation across the region. The WRI reports that over 400,000 hectares of land has been degraded in the Far North, which spells trouble for the 84% of the population depending on farming and herding for their livelihoods (WRI, 2022). Degraded land is less capable of retaining moisture, making it more susceptible to drought.
Population Pressure: Increased migration towards water sources, woods, due to conflict and climate-induced displacement has intensified competition for limited resources. This demographic pressure exacerbates environmental stress and contributes to resource depletion (ReliefWeb, 2023).
3. Consequences of Drought
The consequences of increasing drought conditions are severe:
Food Insecurity: With agriculture being heavily reliant on rainfall, drought directly impacts crop yields. Many households face malnutrition as staple crops fail due to insufficient water supply. Reports indicate that food production has declined by up to 50% during severe drought years (FAO, 2018).
Economic Strain: The economic impact of drought extends beyond agriculture. Livestock herders experience significant losses as grazing lands dry up, leading to increased competition for resources among communities (UNDRR, 2023). This situation led to conflicts over water and land usage. Tensions between herders and farmers have escalated as both groups compete for dwindling resources.
Health Risks: Drought conditions contribute to a range of health issues, including malnutrition and waterborne diseases due to inadequate access to clean water. As water sources dwindle, communities may resort to using contaminated water supplies, increasing health risks (WHO, 2022).
4. Stategies for Mitigation
4.1. Sustainable Land Management
Agroforestry: Promote the planting of nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs, such as Faidherbia albida and Acacia tortilis, alongside crops. These trees can improve soil fertility, reduce erosion, and provide shade and fodder for livestock. For example, the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) like Hope Environment Cameroon (HEC) (HEC, 2021; HEC,2022) and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) have implemented successful agroforestry programs in Far North (ICRAF, 2023).
Conservation Agriculture: Encourage the use of conservation agriculture practices, such as zero tillage, crop rotation, and cover crops. These practices can help to improve soil health, reduce water loss, and increase crop yields. The FAO has promoted conservation agriculture in Cameroon and other African countries (FAO, 2021).
4.2. Water Resource Management
Rainwater Harvesting: Support the construction of rainwater harvesting structures, such as gabions, check dams, and ponds, to capture and store rainwater for agricultural and domestic use. Non-governmental organization (NGO) like HEC (HEC, 2022) have implemented rainwater harvesting projects in many villages
Efficient Irrigation: Promote the adoption of efficient irrigation technologies, such as drip irrigation and sprinkler systems, to reduce water losses and increase crop yields. The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) (IWMI, 2022) and local NGO like HEC (HEC, 2021) have provided technical assistance to farmers in Cameroon on improving irrigation practices.
4.3. Community-Based Adaptation
Early Warning Systems: Develop and strengthen early warning systems to alert communities about impending droughts and facilitate timely responses. The United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) has supported the development of early warning systems in many African countries, including Cameroon (UNDRR, 2023).
Diversification of Livelihoods: Encourage communities to diversify their livelihoods to reduce their dependence on agriculture. This can include promoting livestock rearing, beekeeping, handicrafts, or ecotourism.
Social Safety Nets: Establish social safety nets, such as food distribution programs or cash transfers, to support vulnerable households during drought periods. The World Food Programme (WFP) has implemented food assistance programs in Cameroon to address food insecurity caused by drought (WFP, 2023).
4.4. Policy and Institutional Support
Climate Change Adaptation Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive climate change adaptation plans at the national and local levels, incorporating measures to address drought vulnerability. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) provides guidance and support for developing national adaptation plans (UNFCCC, 2023).
Investment in Research: Increase investment in research and development to improve understanding of drought dynamics and identify innovative solutions. The Government of Cameroon can allocate more resources to research institutions and collaborate with international research organizations.
Strengthening Governance: Enhance the capacity of government institutions to coordinate and implement drought mitigation measures. This can involve training and capacity-building programs for government officials, as well as improved inter-sectoral collaboration.
Conclusion
The increasing frequency and severity of droughts in Cameroon’s Far North region pose significant challenges for local communities depending on agriculture and livestock for their livelihoods. Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from governments, NGOs and local communities to implement sustainable practices that enhance resilience against climate change impacts. By focusing on sustainable land management, reforestation initiatives, effective water management strategies and community education programs, it is possible to mitigate the effects of drought and secure a more sustainable future for this vulnerable region.
REFERENCES
1. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2018). Conservation Agriculture: A Tool for Sustainable Agriculture. Rome: FAO.
2. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020. Rome: FAO.
3. Hope Environment Cameroon (HEC). (2021). How to fight drought in the Far North region. Field work report. 20 Pages.
4. Hope Environment Cameroon (HEC). (2022). Combat desertification to improve life conditions of population in the Far North region. Field work report. 22 Pages.
5. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Cambridge University Press.
6. International Water Management Institute (IWMI). (2022). Improving Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture: A Case Study of Cameroon. IWMI.
7. ReliefWeb. (2023). Curbing Feuds over Water in Cameroon’s Far North. ReliefWeb.
8. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2023). National Adaptation Plans. UNFCCC.
9. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2023). Drought Risk Reduction. Available at: https://www.undrr.org/
10. World Food Programme (WFP). (2023). Addressing Food Insecurity in Cameroon. WFP.
11. World Resources Institute (WRI). (2022). Regreening the Drylands of Cameroon’s Far North. WRI.
12. World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Impacts of Drought on Health. WHO.
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