Cameroon has made notable progress in stabilising its Far North region and reviving local economies under the Regional Stabilisation Facility for the Lake Chad Basin, implemented with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The programme targets communities affected by insecurity and climate pressures, aiming to strengthen security, rebuild public infrastructure, and restore livelihoods.
Officials reported progress during the sixth national steering committee meeting of the Cameroon RSF last Saturday. The programme has focused on restoring public authority and reinforcing security systems across multiple localities. Since its inception, 78 security and justice facilities have been built, rehabilitated, or equipped.
Training has been provided to 4,935 members of security forces and human rights personnel on international humanitarian law, civil protection, and gender-based violence prevention. An additional 1,812 judicial police officers have received training in criminal procedures adapted to crisis contexts.
Community-based conflict prevention has also been strengthened through 16 peace and stabilisation committees and the training of 5,002 members of local vigilance groups to bolster early warning mechanisms. Operational capacity has been enhanced with the provision of 276 vehicles, including four-wheel-drive pick-ups and motorcycles, for security services.
Economic recovery and livelihoods
Alongside security efforts, the programme has prioritised economic recovery and income generation. A total of 5,566 farmers and aquaculture producers received training in improved agricultural techniques, while 5,093 participants were provided with agricultural kits.
Infrastructure support for economic activities included distributing 394 tricycles to community groups to facilitate transport and trade, and providing eight tractors to departmental agricultural delegations to support mechanised farming. Women’s economic participation has been promoted, with 316 women trained in leadership, gender equality, economic empowerment, and advocacy.
The programme has also invested in social infrastructure to improve living conditions. This includes constructing and equipping 92 classrooms, rehabilitating or building eight health facilities, and installing 125 potable water points benefiting approximately 50,000 residents. Public infrastructure improvements include 540 solar streetlights to enhance safety and mobility. Additionally, 70 facilities supporting economic recovery have been developed to strengthen local markets and productive activities.
Stakeholders’ reactions
Mathieu Ciowela said the progress demonstrates that coordinated action between the state, development partners, and local communities can yield tangible improvements in people’s lives.
The German Ambassador to Cameroon, Christian Sedat, highlighted the importance of institutional collaboration in consolidating stability in the Lake Chad Basin.
Addressing the meeting, Alamine Ousmane Mey said the programme rebuilds public confidence in peace-building initiatives by tackling concrete challenges faced by communities. He also acknowledged the role of defence and security forces in supporting stabilisation and local recovery efforts.
Authorities said the programme will continue in the coming years, with further investments and projects planned to consolidate gains and expand economic and social infrastructure in the Far North region.
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A regional stabilisation programme around Lake Chad is helping revive economic activity in Cameroon’s Far North region by restoring farmland and supporting thousands of farmers affected by years of insecurity and environmental degradation.
Background
The Lake Chad basin—shared by Cameroon, Nigeria, Chad, and Niger—has faced multiple crises over the past decade. Armed violence linked to Boko Haram displaced millions of people, while climate change and shrinking water levels disrupted farming, fishing and livestock activities that sustain local economies.
In Cameroon’s Far North, many rural communities abandoned agricultural land due to insecurity, leaving fields uncultivated and local food production severely reduced.
The Lake Chad Stabilisation Strategy
To address these challenges, governments in the region, together with international partners, launched the Regional Stabilisation Strategy for the Lake Chad Basin, coordinated by the Lake Chad Basin Commission with support from the United Nations Development Programme.
The initiative focuses on restoring security, rebuilding infrastructure, and reviving local economies in areas previously affected by conflict. Agriculture is a key component, as farming remains the main source of livelihood for many households in the basin.
Reviving agriculture and livelihoods
Under the programme, about 5,500 farmers in Cameroon’s Far North have received support to return to farming. Assistance includes:
- Distribution of improved seeds and farming tools
- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems and farmland
- Training in climate-resilient agricultural practices
- Access to local markets and cooperatives
These measures have enabled farmers to cultivate crops again, helping restore household incomes and improve food availability in the region.
Wider economic impact
The revival of farming activity is also stimulating the broader rural economy. As agricultural production increases, local trade in food products, transport services and small-scale processing businesses is gradually recovering.
Authorities say the programme is helping rebuild trust among communities that were displaced or fragmented by conflict, while encouraging the return of people who fled the region.
Long-term recovery efforts
Despite the progress, the Lake Chad region continues to face structural challenges including poverty, environmental degradation and periodic security threats. Experts say sustained investment in infrastructure, water management and rural development will be essential to ensure long-term stability.
For communities around Lake Chad, however, the return of farming activity marks an important step toward rebuilding livelihoods and restoring economic resilience after years of disruption.
