What Is Driving the Conflict Between Pastoralists and Farmers in Cameroon?

February 28, 2025

Author: Trésor Daniel MEFIRE

Country: Cameroon

Photo credit: Leif Brottem/ Bulletin de la sécurité africaine N° 39

SUMMARY

Cameroon, known as "Africa in miniature," grapples with escalating conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, a crisis intensified by climate change and resource scarcity. These clashes, particularly in the northern regions, have led to over 3,000 deaths and displaced 200,000 people since 2015. Historically, a symbiotic relationship existed between these groups, but climate change has shrunk the Lake Chad Basin by 90% since the 1960s, forcing herders south and heightening tensions.

The conflicts, driven by competition for dwindling resources, are exacerbated by population growth, land degradation, and weak governance. An influx of small arms further fuels the violence, while economic pressures and the rise of commercial agriculture intensify the struggle for land. The consequences are dire: loss of life, widespread displacement, food insecurity affecting 2.6 million people, and deepening social and ethnic divisions.

Addressing this crisis demands a multifaceted approach. Recommendations include strengthening governance and conflict resolution, promoting sustainable land management, and supporting climate change adaptation. Community-based natural resource management, dialogue, arms control, and economic diversification are also crucial. Ultimately, resolving this crisis requires a concerted effort to ensure peaceful coexistence and sustainable resource management in Cameroon.

BACKGROUND

What Is Driving the Conflict Between Pastoralists and Farmers in Cameroon?

Introduction

Cameroon, often referred to as "Africa in miniature" due to its remarkable cultural and ecological diversity, is facing a growing crisis that threatens its social fabric and economic stability: the resurgence of violent conflicts between nomadic pastoralists (shepherds) and sedentary farmers. These conflicts, which have claimed over 3,000 lives and displaced more than 200,000 people since 2015 (Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, 2022), are fueled by a complex interplay of historical, environmental, economic, and political factors. The clashes, which primarily occur in the northern regions of the country, have not only disrupted livelihoods but also exacerbated food insecurity, with 2.6 million people in Cameroon facing acute hunger due to disrupted agricultural activities (World Food Programme, 2022).

At the heart of this crisis lies the competition for increasingly scarce resources, particularly land and water. Climate change, population growth, and weak governance have intensified this competition, transforming what were once manageable disputes into violent confrontations. For instance, the Lake Chad Basin, a critical water source for pastoralists and farmers, has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s (World Bank, 2022), pushing herders further south into farming areas and escalating tensions. Understanding the root causes and consequences of these conflicts is essential for developing sustainable solutions that promote peace, equity, and environmental stewardship.

I. Historical Context and Traditional Land Use

Historically, Cameroon's northern regions, particularly the Far North, North, and Adamawa, have been characterized by a symbiotic relationship between pastoralist and farming communities. Nomadic pastoralists, primarily of Fulani origin, have traditionally migrated seasonally with their livestock in search of grazing land and water, often crossing established farming areas. This transhumance, while occasionally leading to localized disputes, was generally managed through customary practices and traditional conflict resolution mechanisms (Nkemngu, 2007).

Agreements regarding grazing routes, watering points, and crop compensation were often negotiated between community leaders (Verjee, 2009).

II. Contemporary Drivers of Conflict

The relative harmony that existed has been disrupted by a confluence of factors exacerbating resource scarcity and increasing the stakes of land ownership:

II.1. Climate Change and Desertification

The Sahel region, bordering Cameroon's northern regions, is experiencing significant impacts from climate change, including increased desertification, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall patterns (IPCC, 2021). This has drastically reduced the availability of grazing land and water resources, forcing pastoralists to move further south and for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of encroachment on farmlands (Bassett & Turner, 2007). According to the World Bank (2022), the Lake Chad Basin, which Cameroon shares with neighboring countries, has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s, further exacerbating water scarcity.

II.2. Population Growth

Cameroon's population has been steadily increasing, placing greater demands on land for both agriculture and settlement. This intensified competition leaves less room for traditional grazing routes and makes farmers less tolerant of livestock damage to their crops (Fonjong et al., 2011). The population of Cameroon is projected to reach 38 million by 2030, up from 27 million in 2020 (UN DESA, 2022), further straining land and resources.

II.3. Land Degradation and Scarcity

Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and overgrazing have led to significant land degradation in many areas. This reduces the overall carrying capacity of the land, fueling competition between farmers and herders for fertile land (Nkemngu, 2007). The FAO (2020) reports that 40% of Cameroon's land is degraded, with the northern regions being the most affected.

II.4. Weak Governance and Ineffective Conflict Resolution

The formal legal system in Cameroon is often weak and ineffective in resolving land disputes, particularly in remote areas. Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms have also been undermined by the breakdown of social trust and the increasing politicization of land issues (Verjee, 2009). The lack of a proper land management system has added to the complexity. According to a 2021 report by the International Crisis Group, the Cameroonian government has been slow to implement land reforms, leaving rural communities vulnerable to exploitation by elites.

II.5. Proliferation of Small Arms

The porous borders of Cameroon, particularly with neighboring countries experiencing conflict (e.g., Nigeria, Central African Republic), have facilitated the proliferation of small arms in the hands of both pastoralists and farmers (Agbor, 2010). This has escalated conflicts and made them more violent, as communities increasingly resort to self-defense and retaliatory attacks. The Small Arms Survey (2022) estimates that there are over 500,000 illegal firearms in circulation in Cameroon, many of which are used in pastoralist-farmer conflicts.

II.6. Economic Pressures

The rise of commercial agriculture and increased demand for livestock products have intensified the economic stakes of land use. This has led to a more competitive and less cooperative environment, as both farmers and herders seek to maximize their profits (Fonjong et al., 2011). The World Bank (2021) reports that the livestock sector contributes 12% to Cameroon's GDP, making it a critical economic driver, but also a source of tension.

III. Consequences of the Conflict

The consequences of the resurgence in shepherd-farmer conflicts are far-reaching:

III.1. Loss of Life and Displacement

The conflicts have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement of communities, disrupting social structures and livelihoods (Human Rights Watch, 2017). According to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC, 2022), over 200,000 people have been displaced due to pastoralist-farmer conflicts in Cameroon since 2015.

III.2. Food Insecurity

The disruption of agricultural production and livestock herding exacerbates food insecurity in already vulnerable regions. The World Food Programme (WFP, 2022) estimates that 2.6 million people in Cameroon are food insecure, with pastoralist-farmer conflicts being a major contributing factor.

III.3. Social Polarization

The conflicts deepen divisions between ethnic and religious groups, undermining social cohesion and national unity. In some regions, the Fulani pastoralists are perceived as outsiders, leading to ethnic tensions and violence (International Crisis Group, 2021).

III.4. Economic Costs

The violence disrupts trade and investment, hindering economic development in affected areas. The African Development Bank (2022) estimates that conflicts in the Sahel region, including Cameroon, cost the region $13 billion annually in lost economic opportunities.

III.5. Environmental Degradation

The increased pressure on land and resources due to conflict can lead to further environmental degradation. Overgrazing and deforestation are particularly problematic, as they reduce the land's ability to recover and sustain future generations (FAO, 2020).

IV. Addressing the Crisis

Addressing the complex root causes of the resurgence in shepherd-farmer conflicts requires a multi-faceted approach involving:

IV.1. Strengthening Governance and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms

Improving the capacity of local authorities to resolve land disputes fairly and effectively, strengthening the formal legal system, and supporting traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. The African Union's Pastoral Policy Framework (2021) provides a roadmap for integrating traditional and modern governance systems.

IV.2. Promoting Sustainable Land Management

Implementing policies and practices that promote sustainable agriculture, livestock herding, and natural resource management, including land restoration, water harvesting, and agroforestry. The Great Green Wall Initiative, which Cameroon is part of, aims to restore 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030.

IV.3. Climate Change Adaptation&Mitigation

Supporting communities to adapt to the impacts of climate change, including drought-resistant crops, improved livestock breeds, and sustainable water

management practices. The UNDP (2022) has launched several projects in Cameroon to promote climate-resilient agriculture.

IV.4. Community-Based Natural Resource Management

Empowering local communities to manage natural resources through participatory approaches. The Cameroon Community-Based Natural Resource Management Program (CBNRM, 2021) has shown promising results in reducing conflicts over land and water resources.

IV.5. Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation

Facilitating dialogue and reconciliation between pastoralist and farming communities to rebuild trust and promote cooperation. The Interfaith Mediation Centre in Cameroon (2022) has successfully mediated several conflicts through community dialogues.

IV.6. Regulating the Ownership of Small Arms

Instituting strict measures to control and reduce the proliferation of arms and promote the disarmament of armed groups. The Cameroon Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Program (2022) has made progress in reducing the number of illegal firearms in conflict zones.

IV.7. Economic Diversification

Creating alternative livelihood opportunities for both farmers and herders to reduce their dependence on land and resources. The Cameroon Livestock Development Project (2022) aims to provide pastoralists with alternative income sources, such as dairy farming and beekeeping

Conclusion

The resurgence of shepherd-farmer conflicts in Cameroon is a complex challenge with deep-rooted historical, environmental, economic, and political dimensions. Addressing this crisis requires a holistic and sustainable approach that addresses the root causes of resource scarcity, strengthens governance, promotes community- based solutions, and fosters dialogue and reconciliation. Only through a concerted effort can Cameroon ensure the peaceful coexistence of its diverse communitiesand he sustainable management of its natural resources.

References

1.     Agbor, A. (2010). Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation in Cameroon: Causes, Consequences and Control. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 12(2), 1-18.

2.     Bassett, T. J., & Turner, M. D. (2007). Sudden shift or migratory drift? Democratization, environmental change, and pastoral movement in West Africa. Annals of the Association of American Geographers, 97(4), 675-691.

3.     Fonjong, L. N., Sama-Lang, I., & Akese, D. (2011). Changing livelihoods, changing landscapes: Land use conflict in the Mount Cameroon region. GeoJournal, 76(3), 267-282.

4. Human Rights Watch. (2017). Cameroon: Escalating Anglophone Crisis. https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/11/03/cameroon-escalating- anglophone-crisis

5.    IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The  Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climatechange.https://www.ipcc.ch/sr15/chapter/spm/

6.     Nkemngu, A. P. (2007). Land Use Change and Conflict in the Kilum-Ijim Forest Region of Cameroon. Journal of Human Ecology, 22(4), 339-351.

7.    Verjee, A. (2009). Pastoralism, Conflict and Local Governance in the Horn of Africa. Institute for Security Studies, Paper 197.

8. World Bank. (2022). Lake Chad Basin: Climate Change and Conflict. https://www.worldbank.org

9.     FAO. (2020). State of the World’s Forests 2020. Food and Agriculture Organization.

10.  International Crisis Group. (2021). Cameroon’s Far North: A New Front in the Fight Against Boko Haram.

11.  Small Arms Survey. (2022). Illegal Firearms in Cameroon: A Growing Threat.

12.  UNDP. (2022). Climate-Resilient Agriculture in Cameroon. United Nations Development Program.

13.  African Union. (2021). Pastoral Policy Framework for Africa.

14.  Interfaith Mediation Centre. (2022). Community Dialogues for Peace in Cameroon.

15.  Cameroon DDR Program. (2022). Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration in Cameroon.

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