Japan has released approximately 393.6 million CFA francs ($713,333) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver emergency food assistance to 22,600 vulnerable people in Cameroon’s Far North and Adamawa regions, according to a statement from the World Food Programme (WFP).
The funding comes as conflict-driven displacement and climate shocks are pushing hundreds of thousands towards a humanitarian cliff edge. It is aimed at sustaining households during the lean season, when food shortages typically peak and vulnerability increases.
According to the WFP release, the intervention follows growing pressure on humanitarian resources in Cameroon, where food insecurity has worsened due to declining funding and persistent instability. The statement reveals that nearly 600,000 people risk losing access to vital assistance as financial constraints limit response capacity. The WFP indicated that this latest support is critical to maintaining operations at a time when needs are expected to reach their highest levels.
“Food insecurity is worsening. Climate shocks are intensifying, and displaced families are exhausting their livelihoods. This support allows us to act now and protect the most vulnerable as the lean season approaches,” said Gianluca Ferrera, WFP Resident Representative in Cameroon.
Japan reaffirmed its commitment to supporting food security and stabilisation efforts in Cameroon through its partnership with the WFP. The funding also aligns with broader efforts to reinforce resilience in communities affected by conflict and displacement.
“Japan remains committed to promoting human security and supporting the most vulnerable populations in Cameroon. Through our partnership with the WFP, we are backing government efforts to ensure food security and stabilise communities,” said Minami Kentaro, Japan’s Ambassador to Cameroon.
Cameroon is currently facing one of the most underfunded displacement crises globally, according to humanitarian agencies. An estimated 2.9 million people are forecast to face acute food insecurity between June and August 2026, including around 249,000 in emergency conditions. More than 82 per cent of those affected are concentrated in the Far North, North-West, South-West and Adamawa regions.
The WFP reported that funding shortages in 2026 have already forced a reduction of more than 35 per cent in the number of beneficiaries receiving assistance. Without additional resources, operations could be disrupted within six months, particularly during the peak hunger period when household food stocks are depleted and health risks increase.
“The cost of inaction will far exceed that of a rapid intervention. Cameroon requires additional funding to maintain operations over the coming months,” Ferrera added.
According to the WFP, the organisation requires approximately $40.4 million in additional funding to sustain its programmes in Cameroon. Recent data from the National Institute of Statistics (INS) indicates that inflation in Cameroon remained above seven per cent in 2024, driven partly by food prices, while the World Bank estimates that nearly 23 per cent of the population lives below the national poverty line. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) also reports that climate variability continues to disrupt agricultural output, particularly in northern regions.
The latest Japanese contribution is expected to provide short-term relief, but funding requirements remain significant as humanitarian needs continue to expand across multiple regions.
Mercy Fosoh