Deadline: 16-Dec-2025

The World Food Programme (WFP) is supporting a major nutrition and food assistance initiative in Cameroon to improve access to nutritious food for vulnerable crisis-affected populations. The programme focuses on cash and food transfers, maternal and child nutrition, malnutrition prevention and treatment, and emergency nutrition response. By 2026, it aims to strengthen resilience and improve nutrition outcomes for refugees, IDPs, returnees, host communities, and nutritionally vulnerable groups.

Overview

The World Food Programme (WFP), with the backing of international donors, is implementing a wide-reaching programme in Cameroon to enhance food security and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable populations affected by crises. The initiative combines emergency support with long-term nutrition strategies to build resilience and strengthen local systems.

Core Focus Areas

WFP targets several critical areas of nutrition and food security:

Cash assistance for vulnerable households
Food assistance for crisis-affected communities
Infant and young child feeding (IYCF)
Prevention and treatment of malnutrition
Nutrition in emergencies, especially in high-risk regions

These interventions aim to ensure that individuals have consistent access to adequate, safe and nutritious food, even during conflict, displacement or other shocks.

Why This Programme Matters

Cameroon continues to face crisis-related food insecurity due to conflict, displacement and climate stress. This programme addresses:

Immediate hunger and food shortages
Maternal and child malnutrition
Limited access to diverse, nutrient-rich foods
Weak community-level nutrition systems
The need for emergency and long-term nutrition support

By strengthening local nutrition capacities, WFP helps communities recover faster, reduce malnutrition rates and build resilience for future crises.

Target Populations

The programme prioritizes populations most affected by conflict, displacement and chronic poverty:

Refugees
Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
Returnees
Host populations
Children aged 6–23 months
Pregnant and lactating women (PLW)
Adolescent girls
Other nutritionally vulnerable groups

Support is aligned with Cameroon’s national standards and aims to meet targeted improvements by 2026.

Key Intervention Areas

1. Cash and Food Assistance

WFP provides cash transfers and in-kind food support to help families meet daily dietary needs. Cash-based transfers enable households to purchase food locally, supporting both nutrition and the local economy.

2. Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)

Specialized nutritious foods, counselling and community support are provided to promote:

Exclusive breastfeeding
Safe complementary feeding
Healthy growth and development for children aged 6–23 months

3. Prevention and Treatment of Malnutrition

Activities include:

Screening and referral of children and women
Management of moderate and severe acute malnutrition
Supplementary feeding programmes
Community-based nutrition services

4. Nutrition in Emergencies

Rapid-response interventions address critical nutrition needs during crises through:

Emergency food rations
Ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF)
Mobile or temporary nutrition units

5. Building Local Resilience

The programme works to strengthen local nutrition and food security systems through:

Capacity-building of local partners
Improved supply chains for nutritious foods
Community-based resilience and education initiatives

How the Programme Works

Assessment of needs
WFP assesses crisis areas and identifies vulnerable households.
Targeting and registration
Beneficiaries are registered according to vulnerability criteria and crisis impact.
Delivery of assistance
Cash transfers, food distributions and nutrition services are provided through community centres or mobile teams.
Nutrition services for women and children
IYCF counselling, growth monitoring and malnutrition treatment are provided.
Monitoring and evaluation
WFP tracks food security indicators and nutrition outcomes to adjust interventions.
Collaboration with national systems
The programme aligns with government goals and strengthens national nutrition structures.

Common Challenges Addressed

Limited access to nutritious foods during conflict and displacement
High levels of child malnutrition
Lack of nutrition knowledge among caregivers
Restricted mobility and access in crisis zones
Weak nutrition service delivery systems

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who implements this programme in Cameroon?
The programme is implemented by the World Food Programme (WFP) with support from international donors.

2. Which groups benefit the most?
Refugees, IDPs, returnees, host populations, young children, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescent girls.

3. What types of assistance are provided?
Cash transfers, food distributions, IYCF support, malnutrition treatment and emergency nutrition services.

4. What are the main nutrition goals?
To improve dietary intake, reduce malnutrition, and strengthen resilience by 2026.

5. Does the programme include long-term strategies?
Yes, it supports long-term nutrition system strengthening and community resilience.

6. What regions are targeted?
Crisis-affected and nutritionally vulnerable regions prioritized by national authorities and WFP assessments.

7. How does cash assistance help?
It allows families to buy food locally, supporting local markets and providing dietary flexibility.

Conclusion

The WFP nutrition and food assistance initiative in Cameroon is a critical effort to support crisis-affected populations and improve long-term nutrition outcomes. By delivering cash, food, maternal and child nutrition services, and emergency interventions, the programme strengthens resilience, reduces malnutrition and supports community well-being. Its focus on vulnerable groups ensures that those most at risk receive consistent, life-saving nutritional support.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.