CARE International’s history in Cameroon
CARE has been working in Cameroon since 1978, supporting communities to improve livelihoods, strengthen resilience during crises, and help advance gender equality.
Our initial focus was on supporting communities to improve food security and access to health services. Over time, we expanded our work to implement integrated initiatives that help provide emergency aid, fight poverty, and help communities adapt to climate change impacts.
Today, CARE Cameroon works across multiple regions of the country through partnerships with local organizations, civil society groups, and public institutions.
We have a coordination office in Yaounde and field bases in Maroua (Far North region) and Batouri (East region). Other program offices support major initiatives, including Global Fund project in Yaounde, Douala, and Garoua.
CARE and partners’ work in Cameroon today
CARE Cameroon works with communities, civil society organizations, and government partners to address poverty, gender inequality, and humanitarian needs through locally led programming.
We focus on:
Making the economy work for women
We support women and young people to improve livelihoods through financial inclusion, small business development, and skills training. Programs help increase household income while creating new economic opportunities for vulnerable communities.
Climate
CARE works with communities to strengthen climate resilience through climate-smart agriculture, sustainable natural resource management, and ecosystem-based approaches. We support farmers and other people living in rural areas to adapt to climate change while protecting the natural resources they depend on.
Food and water
CARE and our partners work with communities to improve access to nutritious food and strengthen sustainable food systems. We support farming, help families improve nutrition at home, and reduce malnutrition among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Gender equality
CARE and partners support women and girls to strengthen their economic independence and leadership through initiatives such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), entrepreneurship programs, and community leadership training. We also help prevent violence against women and girls and engage men and boys in promoting more equal social norms.
Crisis response
We provide humanitarian aid for people living in regions affected by conflict, especially in the Far North. CARE and our partners deliver emergency support while also helping communities rebuild lives.
CARE works closely with peer organisations,, women-led organizations, and community groups to implement programs and strengthen local capacity. Partnerships with local institutions help ensure that programs reflect community priorities and support sustainable, locally driven development.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the center of CARE’s work in Cameroon.
CARE works with local partners, including women-led organizations and community groups, to address the barriers that limit women’s economic participation, leadership, and access to services.
Together with our partners, CARE supports women and girls to:
- Strengthen economic independence through savings groups and entrepreneurship programs
- Participate in leadership and decision-making within their communities
- Access services that prevent and respond to violence against women and girls
- Build resilience to climate, economic, and social crises
By supporting women’s leadership and economic advancement, CARE helps strengthen communities and create more inclusive and resilient local systems.
For recent updates on CARE’s work in Cameroon, see here.
