Climate Change Adaptation Strategies and Food Security of Agricultural Households in Semi-Arid Areas in Cameroon
Date
2026
Authors
Foudjo Suzie Imelda
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AERC
Abstract
Like other vulnerable regions of the Sahel, the semi-arid zone of Cameroon plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem but remains highly exposed to the adverse effects of climate change, with significant implications for household food security. Adopting appropriate adaptation strategies, therefore, appears essential to mitigating these negative impacts. This study aims to assess the effect of climate change adaptation strategies on the food security of agricultural households in semi-arid areas of Cameroon. Based on cross-sectional data from 1,000 agricultural households, a multinomial endogenous switching regression model was applied, considering the different possible combinations of coping strategies. The findings reveal that households combining adaptation strategies such as improved seeds and compost, crop diversification, and compost, or the simultaneous adoption of improved seeds, compost, and crop diversification experience significant improvements in both food consumption and dietary diversity. These results suggest that public authorities, through agricultural extension services, should not only facilitate access to improved seeds for the most vulnerable households but also strengthen training and awareness programs on the use of compost and improved seeds. Encouraging households to adopt complementary strategies, rather than relying on a single practice, could substantially enhance food security in semi-arid zones.