Isolation of production areas and food inflation in northern Cameroon : the case of the Poli Plain

The Poli plain, situated in the west of the North region bordering Nigeria and Adamaoua to the south, possesses considerable physical and human potential for economic development. Such growth hinges on ensuring food security. This article aims to examine the obstacles and barriers to economic exchange between this border territory and its surroundings to address its isolation. As a methodology, a sample of 590 individuals was selected for surveys. This was complemented by multivariate interviews with administrative and local authorities and direct field observations. Descriptive and comparative analyses were then conducted to identify the main reasons behind the trends of outflows from the Poli plain. All categorical data were analysed using chi-square tests and expressed as proportions with a significance threshold of 0.05. The study suggests that, due to environmental challenges, farmers employ various means of transport—both traditional and motorised—to meet their economic mobility needs. Moreover, the isolation from the interior of the country heightens foreign trade flows, where mobility is more accessible, which unfortunately harms the local economy and worsens food insecurity in neighbouring towns linked to these production centres.