The intensity of farmer-herder conflict and its effects on food security: The case of ESU community, Cameroon

Purpose of Study: This study explores the relationship between farmers-herder conflict and food security in the ESU community of Fungom Sub-Division, North West Region, Cameroon.  The overall goal is to investigate the extent to which the farmer-herder conflict affects food security in the Esu community in the Fungom sub-division of the North West region of Cameroon. Problem Statement: Farmers and herders in the ESU community are engaged in constant conflict, which negatively impacts their living conditions and livelihoods. All government efforts to resolve the conflict have proven unsuccessful. Furthermore, this ongoing conflict has dire consequences for food security in the region. Methodology: the target population includes community members, households, farmers, herders and internally displaced persons (IDP). 380 community members in Esu were selected through proportionate stratified sampling, and 23 key informants were purposively selected. This study employed a descriptive survey design, using a mixed-methods approach to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The study employs both probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Result: the study establishes that loss of life during the conflict has, therefore, affected food affordability and accessibility. At the same time, property destruction has affected food affordability, accessibility, and availability, while displacement has affected food accessibility, balanced diet, and availability. The intensity of the conflict has affected all food security indicators.