Abstract
The protracted Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon has caused significant internal displacement, with communities in Kumba I Subdivision, Meme Division of the South-West Region, facing acute humanitarian needs. While humanitarian responses in this context often prioritize women and children, older adults remain a neglected and invisible demographic in emergency planning and aid delivery. This research critically examines how humanitarian aid interventions in Kumba I address—or fail to address—the specific needs of elderly internally displaced persons (IDPs). Focusing on essential services such as healthcare, shelter, food security, protection, and psychosocial support, this study explores the systemic gaps that contribute to the marginalization of older populations in humanitarian response frameworks. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative data from key informant interviews, focus group discussions with elderly IDPs, humanitarian actors, and local government officials, alongside quantitative analysis of existing humanitarian response data and needs assessments specific to Kumba I Subdivision. The findings reveal that elderly populations are often excluded from program design and resource allocation. Based on these insights, the study proposes policy and programmatic recommendations to ensure a more inclusive and effective humanitarian response for older adults in Kumba I.
Presenters
Kingsley UdoHead of Programmes and Partnerships, Humanitarian Response, Street Child UK, Cameroon Country Programme, South-West, Cameroon
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Public Policy and Public Perspectives on Aging
KEYWORDS
AGING, HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE, POLICY GAPS, IDPs, ELDERLY, ANGLOPHONE CRISIS
