Cameroon
Score moved 2 → 4 (minimal impact → moderate impact). “Strong El Niño meets conflict-driven hunger in West and Central Africa — Cameroon braces for a volatile harvest”
A strong El Niño is amplifying food and nutrition risks across West and Central Africa, with Action Against Hunger warning of crises on the horizon and UNDP calling for urgent anticipatory investment in a region already strained by conflict. Measured conditions in Cameroon show near-average rainfall (+0%) and temperatures about 1.2°C above normal for July–October 2026, a window that is climatologically dry, so attention shifts to the coming rains. Articles project erratic rainfall, drought and flood risk that could disrupt the June–September growing season and the October–November harvest, keeping the agricultural calendar broadly on schedule but vulnerable.
715.4 mm vs 715.4 mm normal
Measured rainfall for July–October 2026 was near average (+0% vs 1991–2020), but this window falls in Cameroon's climatological dry season, so the meaningful signal is the outlook for the coming rains, which articles warn could be erratic under a strong El Niño.
News source22.82°C mean vs 21.64°C normal
Mean temperatures for the same period ran about 1.2°C above normal, consistent with the warming influence of a strong El Niño and a trend that articles link to heat stress and crop stress.
News sourceThe rainy season and planting calendar remain broadly on schedule, but articles warn that El Niño-driven rainfall variability could disrupt the June–September rains and the October–November harvest, with food and nutrition crises projected.
NASA POWER (MERRA-2) reanalysis, 9 Jul 2026 – 6 Oct 2026, sampled at the country centroid (6.0°, 12.0°). Normals are 1991–2020. How this is computed
When it matters
Agricultural calendar for Cameroon and where the El Niño impact window falls
Last 12 months vs normal
Observed monthly rainfall against the 1991–2020 climatology
Sector by sector
Near-average rains so far leave the planting calendar on track, but El Niño-driven variability could cut yields and worsen the June–August lean season, with food and nutrition crises projected.
Erratic rainfall and drought risk could reduce river flows and recharge, stressing water access for communities already affected by conflict displacement.
Above-normal temperatures (+1.2°C) and food insecurity raise risks of heat stress, malnutrition and waterborne disease, with Gavi urging early action as extreme weather looms.
Lower river flows could reduce hydropower output, while higher temperatures raise cooling demand and strain grid reliability.
Warmer waters and altered river flows may shift fish stocks and disrupt inland and coastal fishing livelihoods, though specific impacts remain uncertain.
What happened last time
Past El Niño episodes and how Cameroon responded. See the full ENSO timeline →
2023-24
El Niño conditions contributed to rainfall variability and food insecurity in West and Central Africa, reinforcing calls for anticipatory action in conflict-affected areas.
unsourced background2015-16
A strong El Niño coincided with drought and food crises across the Sahel and Central Africa, with Cameroon among countries facing reduced harvests and rising humanitarian needs.
unsourced background1997-98
One of the strongest El Niño events on record brought erratic rains and drought stress to parts of West and Central Africa, contributing to crop shortfalls and food insecurity in the region.
unsourced backgroundLatest coverage
RSS2026 News items - Members discuss agriculture domestic support, impact of El Nino and Middle East conflict
Strong El Niño Stirs Food and Nutrition Fears in Cameroon as Rains Turn Volatile
A strong El Niño is amplifying food and nutrition risks across West and Central Africa, with Action Against Hunger warning of crises on the horizon and UNDP calling for urgent anticipatory investment
El Niño early action urged as extreme weather looms
UNDP calls for urgent anticipatory investment as El Niño worsens an already conflict-driven crisis in West and Central Africa
Nearby
Neighbouring countries