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Food Insecurity During COVID-19 in Cameroon: Associated Factors and Adaptation Strategies

Author

Listed:
  • Atanase Yene

    (Department of Public, Social and Solidarity Economics, Faculty of Economics and Applied Management, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 4032, Cameroon)

  • Sophie Michelle Eke Balla

    (Department of Public, Social and Solidarity Economics, Faculty of Economics and Applied Management, University of Douala, Douala P.O. Box 4032, Cameroon)

Abstract

This study seeks to identify the factors driving household food insecurity in Cameroon during the COVID-19 pandemic, examine the effects of coping strategies on household resilience, and explore complementarities among these strategies. We used data from the COVID-19 panel surveys conducted by the National Institute of Statistics of Cameroon. Three models are estimated: an ordered logit model for food insecurity factors, a logit model for the impact of coping strategies, and a multivariate probit model for complementarities. The findings reveal that food insecurity is exacerbated by conflict, socio economic shocks (e.g., loss of employment, crop theft), and price hikes. About 28.59% of households are resilient, mainly due to past savings, cash transfers, free food, and in-kind transfers. The study emphasizes the importance of social and governmental support to mitigate food insecurity during crises, and underscores the need for monitoring socio-economic conditions during pandemics and other crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Atanase Yene & Sophie Michelle Eke Balla, 2025. "Food Insecurity During COVID-19 in Cameroon: Associated Factors and Adaptation Strategies," Economies, MDPI, vol. 13(6), pages 1-23, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jecomi:v:13:y:2025:i:6:p:172-:d:1679037
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Elena SERFILIPPI & Gayatri RAMNATH, 2018. "Resilience Measurement And Conceptual Frameworks: A Review Of The Literature," Annals of Public and Cooperative Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 89(4), pages 645-664, December.
    2. Martin Paul Jr. Tabe-Ojong & Emmanuel Nshakira-Rukundo & Bisrat Haile Gebrekidan, 2023. "COVID-19 and food insecurity in Africa: A review of the emerging empirical evidence," European Review of Agricultural Economics, Oxford University Press and the European Agricultural and Applied Economics Publications Foundation, vol. 50(3), pages 853-878.
    3. Ugo Gentilini, 2022. "Cash Transfers in Pandemic Times," World Bank Publications - Reports 37700, The World Bank Group.
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