AN EXAMINATION OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN UNEMPLOYMENT AND HOUSEHOLD FOOD INSECURITY IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

In Cameroon, as in numerous other developing nations, the challenge of household food insecurity remains a critical socio-economic issue impacting a substantial portion of the populace. Characterised by insufficient access to adequate, safe, and nutritious food necessary for a healthy and active lifestyle, food insecurity is intensified by a range of factors such as economic instability and unemployment (FAO, 2019). The phenomenon of unemployment significantly impacts household food security by restricting individuals' access to consistent income streams essential for food procurement (Ndeh, 2017). The relationship between unemployment and food insecurity is intricate and layered, shaped by socio-economic factors, policy structures, and the dynamics within households.

The interconnection between unemployment and food insecurity presents critical challenges that profoundly affect the welfare of individuals and families in Cameroon. In recent years, the nation has witnessed a notable increase in unemployment rates, especially among its younger demographic, which has paralleled growing apprehensions regarding food security. The state of being without employment restricts individuals from generating income, thereby diminishing household purchasing capacity and impacting their ability to secure essential needs, such as food (International Labour Organisation [ILO], 2021). More than 40% of the population in Cameroon exists below the poverty line, highlighting the pressing issue of food insecurity, especially among low-income households’ dependent on unstable or informal employment (World Bank, 2022). The decline in job opportunities resulting from economic recessions, conflicts, or various crises has exacerbated the circumstances, causing numerous families to face challenges in obtaining reliable access to nutritious food (World Food Programme [WFP], 2020).

Cameroon, characterised by its varied socio-economic environment and regional inequalities, encounters significant obstacles in tackling the issues of unemployment and food insecurity. The economy of the nation, which is significantly dependent on agriculture, undergoes variations influenced by elements like climate change, insufficient infrastructure, and restricted market access (IMF, 2020). Agriculture serves as an essential foundation for numerous households, providing vital income and sustenance. When employment prospects within this sector are jeopardised, food security is similarly threatened (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, 2020). The challenges faced significantly heighten the vulnerability of households, particularly in rural regions where agricultural productivity plays a vital role in ensuring food security (FAO, 2020). The circumstances are exacerbated by the persistent turmoil in the Anglophone regions of the country, resulting in the displacement of thousands, thereby placing additional pressure on local economies and food systems. As families who have been uprooted lose their means of support, they find themselves increasingly susceptible to food scarcity, perpetuating a harmful cycle that exacerbates the crisis (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2021). Urban centres face significant challenges with elevated unemployment rates, especially among young people and women, which intensifies the pressure on household incomes and access to food (Oyekale, 2019).

Studies show that unemployment has a profound effect on household food security, as it diminishes purchasing power and heightens the risk of food shortages (Tukamuhabwa et al., 2018). Individuals and families facing unemployment frequently adopt various coping mechanisms, including decreasing portion sizes, forgoing meals, or depending on less nutritious yet more affordable food alternatives to manage their constrained resources (FAO, 2019). The implementation of these strategies undermines dietary quality and exacerbates malnutrition, especially within at-risk groups including children and pregnant women (UNICEF, 2020). Furthermore, unemployment has the potential to sustain cycles of poverty and food insecurity within families, leading to enduring socio-economic challenges that hinder comprehensive development initiatives (Oyekale, 2019).

The relationship between unemployment and food insecurity extends beyond mere economic challenges; it also highlights issues of social disparity. Households in Cameroon that have members who are unemployed or underemployed frequently face increased vulnerability, characterised by restricted access to social safety nets and public services (National Institute of Statistics [NIS], 2020). In numerous instances, individuals without employment find themselves without the resources necessary to engage in food production or to secure reliable markets, compelling them to depend on unstable employment options or social support to fulfil their fundamental nutritional requirements. With the ongoing increase in food prices attributed to inflation and disruptions in the supply chain, it is anticipated that food insecurity will escalate among households facing unemployment (African Development Bank [AfDB], 2021). The implications of this situation extend over the long term, affecting household health and well-being. Chronic food insecurity results in malnutrition, especially in children, which subsequently impedes their physical and cognitive development (UNICEF, 2020). Moreover, households experiencing food insecurity frequently encounter challenges in obtaining education and attaining economic advancement, as hunger and malnutrition impede educational success and diminish productivity (Tukamuhabwa et al., 2018).

Addressing unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon requires a thorough examination of the underlying structural challenges that sustain these issues. The informal sector, representing a significant segment of the workforce, provides minimal stability and job security, thereby rendering numerous households susceptible to economic shocks and variations in food availability (International Monetary Fund [IMF], 2020). Furthermore, the agricultural sector, essential for ensuring food security, continues to face significant challenges, including insufficient infrastructure, restricted access to financing, and susceptibility to climate-related threats (FAO, 2021). The difficulties faced are further intensified by the absence of robust social protection frameworks capable of assisting unemployed individuals and their families during periods of crisis. Therefore, it is imperative to implement policies that foster inclusive job creation, particularly within agriculture and other labour-intensive sectors, in conjunction with initiatives aimed at enhancing food systems and social safety nets, as these are crucial for disrupting the cycle of unemployment and food insecurity (World Bank, 2022). This research aims to elucidate the relationship between unemployment and household food insecurity, offering significant insights for policymakers and development organisations in Cameroon.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The issue of unemployment in Cameroon has emerged as a significant challenge, profoundly affecting household food security, as numerous families find it increasingly difficult to satisfy their fundamental nutritional requirements. In light of the economic difficulties confronting the nation, characterised by sluggish job creation and a scarcity of formal employment options, the unemployment rate has persistently escalated, especially among young individuals and those residing in rural areas (International Labour Organisation [ILO], 2021). The increase in unemployment leads to a decline in household incomes (Ndeh, 2017), subsequently restricting families' capacity to acquire adequate, nutritious food (National Institute of Statistics [NIS], 2020). For households reliant on agricultural livelihoods or informal employment, the issue is further intensified by the susceptibility of these sectors to economic shocks and environmental disruptions, which aggravate food insecurity (World Food Programme [WFP], 2020). Therefore, it is essential to explore the relationship between unemployment and the concerning levels of food insecurity reported in different areas of Cameroon.

The challenge of food insecurity in Cameroon extends beyond rural areas, increasingly impacting urban households, especially those with individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. The increase in unemployment rates within urban areas has resulted in an escalating number of families facing food shortages and nutritional deficiencies (Food and Agriculture Organisation [FAO], 2021). A significant number of unemployed individuals in urban settings depend on precarious, informal sector employment that yields insufficient income, rendering them incapable of meeting the increasing expenses associated with food (African Development Bank [AfDB], 2021). The situation is particularly concerning as the cost of food in Cameroon has been escalating due to inflation, heightened demand, and supply chain disruptions stemming from both internal conflicts and global market variations (World Bank, 2022). The interplay between elevated unemployment rates and rising food costs has rendered numerous households susceptible to persistent food insecurity, thereby endangering children and other at-risk populations with the potential for malnutrition and adverse health consequences (United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund [UNICEF], 2020).

Furthermore, the persistent strife in the Anglophone areas of Cameroon has markedly intensified the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity within households (Ndeh, 2017; Mankas, 2022). Numerous families have been uprooted, forfeiting their means of sustenance and access to arable land, thereby exacerbating the crisis of food insecurity in the regions impacted (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees [UNHCR], 2021). Households that have been displaced, especially those led by individuals without employment, encounter significant challenges in obtaining food. This is largely due to their inability to earn an income or to receive sufficient support from humanitarian organisations (World Food Programme [WFP], 2020). The enduring complexity of the conflict, alongside elevated unemployment rates and precarious food systems, has culminated in a humanitarian crisis that significantly impacts the most at-risk populations. This issue underscores the necessity for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between unemployment and household food insecurity, aiming to guide policies that can tackle these interconnected challenges in Cameroon.

1.3 Objectives of the study

The primary objective of this study is to critically examine the correlation between unemployment and household food insecurity in Cameroon. Specific objectives of this study are to:

1. To assess the level of unemployment in Cameroon

2. To evaluate the prevalence of household food insecurity in Cameroon

3. To investigate the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon.

4. To determine the coping strategies adopted by unemployed households in Cameroon

1.4 Research Questions

The following research questions which are in line with the objectives of this study will be answered in this study:

1. 1. 1. What is the level of unemployment in Cameroon?

      2. What is the prevalence of household food insecurity in Cameroon?

      3. What is the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon?

      4. What are the coping strategies adopted by unemployed households in Cameroon?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

To determine the effectiveness of this study, the following research null hypotheses will be formulated to guide the study and it will be tested at 0.05% levels of significance.:

Ho: There is no significant relationship between unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon

Ha: There is a significant relationship between unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon

1.6 Significance of the study

The research possesses essential importance, providing meaningful insights to various stakeholders such as policymakers, governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private sector participants, scholars, and learners. Comprehending this relationship is essential for formulating precise interventions that tackle the intertwined issues of unemployment and food insecurity, each of which carries significant socio-economic ramifications for individuals, families, and society at large.

The findings of this study offer substantial advantages for those in positions of authority, as it presents an in-depth examination of the relationship between unemployment and household food insecurity. This information can function as an essential resource for the formulation and execution of policies that tackle both issues concurrently. The research will provide well-founded recommendations aimed at guiding the development of employment opportunities, especially for marginalised groups including young people, women, and rural communities, while simultaneously improving food security initiatives. Policymakers will acquire a deeper insight into the socio-economic factors contributing to food insecurity associated with unemployment, allowing them to design more impactful poverty alleviation initiatives and social support systems.

This study will also provide valuable insights for government institutions engaged in labour, agriculture, and social welfare. The study will offer valuable perspectives on the efficacy of current governmental initiatives designed to alleviate unemployment and enhance food security. The findings of this study can serve as a valuable resource for ministries focused on agriculture and employment, facilitating a more cohesive approach to policy development that harmonises job creation with advancements in food production and accessibility. Furthermore, social welfare institutions will acquire a more profound comprehension of the ways in which unemployment intensifies food insecurity, allowing them to enhance social protection systems to offer more focused assistance to households facing food insecurity.

The study will be particularly advantageous for organisations and agencies engaged in food security, poverty alleviation, and employment creation. The study will provide an in-depth analysis of the connections between unemployment and household food insecurity, enabling non-governmental organisations to more effectively customise their initiatives to address the unique requirements of impacted communities. This information will contribute to the development of more effective interventions that tackle both the underlying causes of unemployment and the immediate effects of food insecurity. The research will offer essential insights for global entities, aiding in the advancement of development projects and funding efforts focused on alleviating hunger and fostering sustainable livelihoods.

Entities within the private sector, such as corporations and financial organisations, may glean significant insights from the findings of the study. The study will elucidate the economic ramifications of unemployment and food insecurity, especially regarding diminished productivity and consumer expenditure. Organisations can leverage this data to comprehend the impact of unemployment on regional markets and consumer purchasing capacity, thereby informing their initiatives in corporate social responsibility and investments in community enhancement. Financial institutions, especially those engaged in microfinance and agricultural lending, may leverage the findings of this study to enhance their understanding of the requirements of unemployed individuals and food-insecure households, thereby providing more customised financial products that foster economic resilience.

The study offers substantial benefits to both students and researchers, enhancing the current understanding of the socio-economic challenges encountered in Cameroon. Individuals engaged in the fields of economics, social sciences, agriculture, and public policy will benefit from an in-depth examination of two interconnected matters that are essential to the nation's progress. The findings of this study will be an essential resource for those aiming to grasp the intricate issues surrounding unemployment and food insecurity, offering real-world data and case studies that can enhance their academic pursuits. The study's thorough examination of the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity will provide valuable insights for those engaged in academic inquiry, paving the way for additional research opportunities. This research will establish a basis for comparative studies in other developing nations encountering analogous challenges, enhancing the overall comprehension of global food security and employment matters.

1.7 Scope of the study

Broadly, this study focus is to critically examine the correlation between unemployment and household food insecurity in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will explore the level of unemployment in Cameroon, the prevalence of household food insecurity in Cameroon, the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity in Cameroon and the coping strategies adopted by unemployed households in Cameroon

Geographically, the study will be carried out in Douala, Cameroon.

1.8 Limitations of the study

During the examination, the researchers carefully examined the inherent limitations that are present in all human behaviours. One of the main challenges we faced was the lack of extensive scholarly research on the subject. A notable factor that contributed to the issue was the limited data available regarding an examination of the correlation between unemployment and household food insecurity in Cameroon. Given the task at hand, it was quite demanding to find the required materials, books, or information and organise the data, requiring a significant investment of time and effort.

In addition, the study's findings may be constrained by the small number of participants and the limited scope of the research, which mainly revolves around Douala, Cameroon. Therefore, the findings of the study have limited practical implications, highlighting the need for further research.

In addition, the individual experienced significant constraints due to financial constraints. As a student with limited financial resources, they had to carefully navigate these constraints throughout their study. The exorbitant transportation fees at the research site proved to be a significant hindrance in meeting the financial obligations tied to travel expenses.

Furthermore, the person had a packed schedule due to their scholarly obligations, including attending lectures and participating in a range of educational pursuits.

1.9 Definition of terms

Unemployment: unemployment, the condition of one who is capable of working, actively seeking work, but unable to find any work. It is important to note that to be considered unemployed a person must be an active member of the labour force and in search of remunerative work

Health status: Health status is a measure of how people perceive their health—rating it as excellent, very good, good, fair, or poor.

Quality of life: Quality of life (QoL) is a concept which aims to capture the well-being, whether of a population or individual, regarding both positive and negative elements within the entirety of their existence at a specific point in time.

Food insecurity: Food insecurity is the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods, or limited or uncertain ability to acquire acceptable foods in socially acceptable ways

---

---