Nutritional Vulnerability of Displaced Persons: A Study of Food Security and Access in Kumba Municipality, Cameroon

Kevin N. Metuge, Betrand A. Tambe (), Fabrice Tonfack Djikeng, Aduni Ufuan Achidi, Given Chipili and Xikombiso G. Mbhenyane
Additional contact information
Kevin N. Metuge: Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
Betrand A. Tambe: Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
Fabrice Tonfack Djikeng: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
Aduni Ufuan Achidi: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Buea, Buea P.O. Box 63, Cameroon
Given Chipili: Department of Nutritional Science, School of Applied Science and Technology, Mukuba University, Kitwe P.O. Box 20382, Zambia
Xikombiso G. Mbhenyane: Division Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa

Challenges, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Concerns about global food insecurity have been growing, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the determinants of food security among internally displaced persons (IDPs)—people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, natural disasters, or other crises—and their children under five, as well as the influence on their nutritional status. Using random sampling, the caregivers of IDPs and children under five in households were included in the study. The caregivers were interviewed using a validated structured questionnaire, while nutritional assessments of both children and adults were conducted through anthropometric and clinical evaluation methods. The findings revealed a high prevalence of food insecurity, with 97.6% of IDP households experiencing some degree of insecurity. Additionally, 28.3% of the surveyed households had high dietary diversity. Among the children, 50.6% were stunted, over a third were underweight, and 15.8% were wasted, indicating severe nutritional deficiencies. Among adults, 28.4% were overweight or obese, while a significant number were underweight. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the caregivers’ monthly salary and the average amount spent on food were associated with a decrease in food insecurity. Conversely, large household sizes and coping strategies employed to mitigate food insecurity were linked to increased food insecurity. In conclusion, the study highlights a high prevalence of food insecurity among IDP households, forcing families to adopt coping strategies, mainly through dietary modifications. This, in turn, contributes to low dietary diversity and poor nutritional status, with children suffering from underweight, wasting, and stunting. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive interventions, including the distribution of food vouchers, cash transfers, food banks, and support for home gardening and small-scale farming, as well as education on meal rationing, meal planning, and family planning services. Addressing the root causes of food insecurity—namely low household income and large family sizes—can improve access to nutritious food and ensure the health and well-being of IDPs. Furthermore, addressing food insecurity within this vulnerable group is critical to the broader goals of planetary health, as it highlights the intersection of human health, social equity, and environmental sustainability. By promoting sustainable food systems and supporting vulnerable populations, these interventions can contribute to the resilience of both communities and eco-systems in the face of ongoing global challenges.

Keywords: food insecurity; nutritional status; dietary diversity; internally displaced persons; Kumba municipality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: A00 C00 Z00 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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