Cash for NFI and shelter feasibility study...Village - Didango (Koutaba) 6 A mix of data collection...

1

Cash for NFI and shelter feasibility study

April 2019

A study of the feasibility to use cash in the Noun and Menua

departments of the Western Region of Cameroon for displaced

persons.

By Emanuel Souvairan

2

Contents

Summary ................................................................................................. 3

Methodology .......................................................................................... 5

NFI markets ............................................................................................. 9

NFI market price and stock data ........................................................... 14

Rental markets ...................................................................................... 21

Rental Market Summary ....................................................................... 22

Rental market analysis .......................................................................... 23

Host family arrangements ..................................................................... 36

Livelihoods and inclusion ...................................................................... 38

Preferences on the use of cash as a modality ....................................... 40

Transfer mechanism ............................................................................. 43

Annex 1: Enumeration team debriefing notes ...................................... 46

Annex 2: Risks analysis and mitigation matrix....................................... 52

Annex 3: Recommendations for Cameroon Red Cross .......................... 53

3

Summary

Introduction

Since late 2016, protests and violence in Cameroon South-West and North-West regions (Anglophone

Cameroon) has caused significant internal displacement and refugee flows into Nigeria. Government

restrictions and civilian-targeted attacks by various armed actors has limited nearly all humanitarian

access in these two regions.

The Western region of Cameroon has received a high number of displaced persons arriving from the

South-West and North-West regions with few humanitarian actors present in this region. In the Western

region displaced persons are residing with host communities, in either rental arrangements or host-

family arrangements, both in urban and rural areas. The majority have travelled with few possessions,

many have lost or have damaged identification documents, do not speak the local languages (or French)

and are struggling to make ends meet.

To assess the feasibility of undertaking using cash as a

modality for shelter and NFI assistance for displaced

persons in the Western region of Cameroon a

feasibility study was conducted by the Cameroon Red

Cross with support from the Luxembourg Red Cross

from the 13th and 21st of March 2019.

The study was conducted in both the Menua and Noun

departments of the Western region of Cameroon and

focused on markets for NFI’s, for rent (including

hosting arrangements), preferences in terms of the use

of modality, and the availability and suitability of

certain financial service providers.

Additional analysis was conducted specifically for Red

Cross programming in the annexes to this report. This

additional analysis focused on the utilization of cash as

a modality in combination with other modalities,

transfer value calculation, a risk analysis and specific

recommendations on programmatic approaches, such

as for targeting.

Source: OCHA Cameroon: North-West and South-West. Situation Report No. 05. April 15 2019

4

Key Findings

Below are some of the key findings from the feasibility study:

Education is the number one spending priority should displaced persons have additional cash. This is

closely followed by food as the second highest priority. The third priority is improved housing, followed

by investing in livelihoods, health also features. There were very few mentions of NFI’s as a priority.

Cash would be the most suitable assistance modality as markets are generally functioning well and

displaced persons can access services (although it was not defined to what extent). Cash is frequently

mentioned as the most prohibitive factor for accessing goods and services.

From the perspective of the displaced, multipurpose cash would be most suitable for this context, as

people need cash to cover a broad range of basic needs, many of which are essential to their

fundamental rights and protection. The risks of not meeting basic needs by not giving multipurpose

cash are very high. If we give other forms of assistance and do not give multipurpose cash, critical needs

may not be met, such as lifesaving healthcare.

It is unlikely that the majority of an unrestricted and unconditional cash grant would be used for rent

and/or NFI’s, even if ‘labelled’ and accompanied by dissemination work. However, a significant amount

will be spent on these items (improved housing is listed as the third highest spending priority), as they

constitute key components of the expenditure basket although it is not possible to predict the amounts.

As many are trying to invest in commercial activities, an up-front lump sum would help to start those

activities and increase incomes, thus covering basic needs. Therefore a livelihoods component to the

cash grant may be suitable depending on programmatic goals. This is listed as the fourth highest

priority should displaced persons have additional cash.

Any form of cash assistance would need additional support services, such as for advocacy on rental

rights, contracting, access to services, and prompt access to identity documentation.

Certain key listed NFI’s are not available in the market. These are mosquito nets, plastic sheeting and

to a lesser extent Jerry Cans (20L). Depending on programmatic goals, and if these are deemed

essential, they may have to be distributed.

Close cooperation and advocacy with the government is needed. Particularly relating to ensuring the

provision of adequate quality housing stock and documentation.

It is unclear how best to respond to low housing stock, and further arrivals. For example, temporary

shelters are not supported by any of the authorities. They also cannot be constructed in Santchou due to

flooding. Land is available for sale/ rent in rural areas, with Santchou being another point of exception.

Mobile money was the delivery mechanism of choice for the majority of displaced persons

interviewed. This would also be preferable due to security and safety concerns. However this risks

excluding certain groups that lack identity documentation, have language difficulties or do not have a

phone. Therefore significant help with documentation would be required (or acceptance a service

provider to use a Red Cross issued temporary ID/ registration card in place of national ID for the opening

of an account). Cash in hand could be used for those not able to access mobile money.

5

Methodology

The objective of this study was to inform an evidence based planning exercise that considers cash for

shelter and NFI in the Western region of Cameroon.

This involved collecting information on the following areas:

1. Clarification on needs and preferences

2. Rental markets - availability, quality, prices and other influencing factors on the rental

market and hosting arrangements

3. NFI market – availability, quality and prices

4. Availability of financial service providers/ money agents

5. Government support for the use of cash

As the Red Cross recently commissioned a needs assessment, only additional information that would

complement this assessment was collected. In relation to needs and preferences, information was

collected relating to the use of cash, rental markets and preferences on modality, transfer mechanism

and financial service providers that were not included in the needs assessment.

Methods

The following tools were used for this study:

• Observation(s)

• Market mapping exercise(s)

• Trader/ retailer interviews

• Local government interviews

• Community leader interviews

• Household interviews

• Landlord / rental agent interviews

• Host family interviews

The following seven locations were visited between the 13th and 21st of March 2019.

Department Menua Noun

Large towns Dschang Foumban

Small towns Santchou Bangourain, Koutaba, Magba

Village - Didango (Koutaba)

6

A mix of data collection tools were used, the below table contains a list of each tool, the interview

language(s) used, respondent groups and the number of interviews that were conducted.

Questionnaire(s) Interview language

Respondents Number of interviews held

• Interview form on attitudes towards cash

• Interview form on rental market

French Local government

10 government representatives

• Displaced household questionnaire English Displaced persons 68 displaced persons

• Community leader questionnaire French / English

Community leaders (local & displaced)

30 Community leaders

• Host family questionnaire French / English

Hosting families 44 host family representatives

• Landlord/ rental agent questionnaire French Rental agents & landlords

58 Landlords/ rental agents

• Questionnaire for Financial Service Providers

French Financial service providers

20 financial service providers

• Market mapping tool • Price and stock survey tool • Questionnaire for market

representatives

French Market traders & market representatives

52 retailers 16 market representatives

10 tools - 7 response groups 298 interviews

Sampling

For each respondent group a different approach was taken.

• For government officials, functionaries in key positions were selected for interview, including the

mayor and prefect or sub-prefect. Additional interviews were held with officials whose portfolios

included housing or markets.

• Market representatives were chosen from the market president or other prominent figures.

• Market traders were surveyed as exhaustively as possible, and in the smaller towns a majority of the

traders dealing in the NFI core items specified were interviewed. In urban areas, main trading areas

were selected along with specific sites where the local Red Cross chapter had identified many

displaced people as residing there.

• Community leaders were identified through the local Red Cross chapters and referrals from

displaced persons during interviews

• Displaced persons were identified from registration lists in some instances, and in others through

visiting specific locations where it was known that displaced people resided, and then asking local

people for referrals/ conducting door-to-door visits to identify displaced persons. This was done due

to the fact that not all registration lists were up to date, and respondents were not always available

at specific times.

• Host families were identified through referrals from other interviews in addition to visits to specific

locations and door to door visits to identify hosting families.

7

• Rental agents and landlords were similarly identified through referrals, by local Red Cross chapters

and visits to specific areas.

• When visiting each town, the enumeration teams varied their locations throughout the day in order

to not have respondents only from one small geographical area.

In total 8 days were utilized for the data collection, with a team of 5 enumerators, a team leader

enumerator and a supervisor. Additionally Red Cross chapter representatives accompanied the data

collection team to facilitate introductions to the local government and community leaders.

Different enumeration teams were utilized for Menua and Noun except for the team leader and

supervisor. The data collection team undertook the following schedule:

Week 1 – Menua

12th May – Overview of data collection tools and piloting with Menua enumeration team

13th May – Dschang

14th May – Dschang

15th May – Santchou

16th May – Santchou Week 2 - Noun

17th May - Overview of data collection tools and piloting with Noun enumeration team

18th May – Bangourain

19th May – Magba

20th May – Koutaba (and nearby villages)

21st May – Foumban Data collection was conducted from 8am – 4pm, followed by a team debriefing and planning for the next day. The team debriefs are included as Annex 1 to this report.

Above: Two Red Cross enumerators interview a community leader for the Anglophone community in Koutaba.

In this picture the community leader is providing a list of displaced persons who have registered with him.

8

Data collection team and responsibilities

In general, the enumeration teams focused on specific respondent groups for the week (listed below)

although this was adjusted for each day according to the context and the level of data collection

progression per respondent group, with some enumerators undertaking additional lines of inquiry if

needed.

Week 1 – Menua

Enumerators Respondent groups

Simo Yumsu Lisette Nchonganyi Anunzo Therence

Community leaders Displaced persons

Kengue Mekeng Falone Noubissie Eric

Market traders & market representatives Financial Service providers

Tetsaguim Modeste Ngon Eloko Sandrine

Landlords and rental agents Host families

Emanuel Souvairan Local Government

Week 2 – Noun

Enumerators Respondent groups

Nchonganyi Anunzo Therence Community leaders

Yenou Fatima Host families

Ndam Ibrahim Michau Landlords and rental agents

Leinyuy Georgette Displaced persons

Vepuassa Tanga Adidja Market traders and representatives

Emanuel Souvairan Local Government Financial Service Providers

Anna Soravito (for 3 days) Local Government

9

NFI markets

Above: The market in Bangourain during a market day. Out of the locations visited, Bangourain and Koutaba were visited during market days, when many additional market traders are present (in comparison to non-market days).

In total 52 retailers and 15 market representatives were interviewed. Additionally market mapping

exercises were conducted for specific items by the enumeration team, these market maps were then

revised with vendors and market representatives. Of the 52 retailers interviewed, eleven stated that

they accepted payment through mobile money.

In summary, all of the markets for each item appear to be well integrated, with strong supply chains

from Douala and a large number of distributers and warehouses in Bafoussam. Transport links are

strong and responsive. Time to replenish stocks are short, with those that gave longer times indicating

that this was due to the wait until there was sufficient stock required.

However not all items have sufficient market competition (potential for monopolies for some items in

more remote locations).

This study focused exclusively on NFI and rental markets, however it should be noted also that

availability, access and prices of food were not seen to be a problem by respondents.

10

The following non-food items were surveyed in the below table which contains a summary of findings.

Detailed tables for each item are included on the following pages.

Item Availability Market competitiveness

Price range

Price average

Issues/ comments

Plastic sheeting

Difficult to source, varying quality and sizes. No price consistency.

Very few vendors found.

2,400-80,000

Insufficient information

Issues with price, availability and lack of competitiveness

Mat (2 places)

Widely available, decent stocks.

Many retailers, prices consistent across locations

2,500-5,000

3,158 There are no issues with this item.

Mattress (12cm)

Available in all towns, however limited stock in smaller towns

Few retailers in smaller towns, lack of competitiveness

15,000-30,000

22,514 Prices vary with quality. Some customers would travel to larger towns to buy mattresses. Some households interviewed would prefer this to be distributed instead of being given cash (if they are without mattresses)

Blankets (2)



5,000-30,000

15,411 There are no issues with this item. Prices vary according to quality.

Bucket (15L)



1,000-2,000

1,275 There are no issues with this item.

Plastic basin


Many retailers, prices (for similar quality and size) consistent across locations

400-6,000

2,313 There are no issues with this item. Prices vary according to quality and size.

Jerrycan (20L)

Not widely available. Can be found in all locations but stocks are low and prices vary.

Very few retailers in rural locations.

2,000-6,000

3,011 Possible to buy, but price could be inflated. Current stocks are low due to a lack of demand. Questionable as to whether this would be a priority purchase for households.

Mosquito net

Can be found in very few locations (although on special demand either

No competition as there is no real market for mosquito nets

2,500-7,800

4,433 Issues with price, availability and lack of competitiveness. There is almost no stock in

11

through a pharmacy of small trader) – No stock in most locations (or 1-2 available)

due to distributions by the government. Hence very few vendors.

any location, including urban areas.

Soap (1 bar)

Available in all areas Yes, lots of vendors and suppliers in all locations

175-300 269 Consistent prices – no issues with this item, easy to access everywhere.

Cooking pot (10L)

Available in all areas. Decent stocks.

There is sufficient competition. Prices vary according to quality but generally consistent across locations.

4,000-11,000

6,500 33 65

No issues with this item.

Kettle Available in all areas. Decent stocks.

There is sufficient competition.

500-1,000

889 No issues with this item.

Sanitary towel

Available in all areas Yes, in all locations

500-1,000

603 Consistent prices – no issues with this item

The following are key findings from the interviews and discussions held with market representatives,

traders and discussions with people using the market places.

In general, for each vendor, there low amount of stock for all

items except for soap, due to low demand and lack of liquidity.

In the cities (Dschang and Foumban), there is no problem

accessing all products.

There were very few issues highlighted concerning the quality

of products, with the exception of straw mattresses which

have been purchased by some families as they are significantly

cheaper than the foam mattresses. Some families complained

that this left them with some discomfort following sleeping on

these with one displaced person commenting that “you feel as

though you have been beaten when you wake up”.

Respondents from the household interview with displaced

persons did not indicate that they had many problems with

accessing problems in the markets, prices and lack of money

being the main obstacles (plus some differences with

regionality of foodstuffs). Above: Mattresses for sale in Koutaba

12

Challenges highlighted by displaced persons

relating to the market

“Everything is there, the biggest challenge is

money”

“Local food from our home is not available”

“Mattresses are too expensive”

“They inflate prices for Anglophones”

“I fear to travel to the market because I do

not have an identity card”

Retailers will sometimes share stock amongst themselves when they need to (before bringing in

deliveries)

Prices are fairly consistent across locations and vendors, with little differences between towns or

regions. Prices quoted do vary, but there is also a possibility to negotiate.

In smaller towns, there is a low availability of 20 liter jerry cans. These can be found in sufficient

stock in Foumban and Dschang.

It is very difficult and time-consuming to find vendors of plastic sheeting. Prices given varied greatly

with varying sizes and qualities. This is not a common item in any of the markets surveyed.

It is very hard to find mosquito nets for sale, which has been stated as a priority item amongst

displaced families

Left: Blankets for sale in Santchou. Right: Two mosquito nets for sale in the same shop. Mosquito nets are generally not sold

in shops due to the government distributions.

In general, the market system for most of the NFI materials listed is strong and well integrated in all

areas, there are plenty of suppliers, the transport services and infrastructure is strong, and there is

13

55

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

No Yes

Number of displaced persons responing to whether they find the

items that they need in the local market (of 68 interviews)

13

competition in each market (even in the smaller towns). In

the rural areas that were visited there are no markets for

NFI’s, and people have to travel to the nearby towns to

access the markets (as is the practice for the host

population).

There is some discrimination on prices, with Anglophones

frequently reporting in Foumban that they are charged

higher rates in the market and subject to discrimination.

However there is significant competition in this city that

may offset this.

It is doubtful that the NFI’s specified on the list would all

be bought by households. Their priorities are varied and

include meeting basic needs of which NFI’s are one

component. Mattresses were frequently mentioned as the

most needed item followed by mosquito nets. However

the purchasing of mosquito nets may not happen because

there is a tendency to rely on government distributions

(traditionally they are free), and there is a poorly

developed market with low stock, little competition and

high prices. There is a risk that this would not be

purchased despite the fact that this is frequently cited as a

major issue amongst households due to a prevalence of mosquitos in many areas.

Above: NFI products for sale in Bangourain town on market day

14

NFI market price and stock data Below is market data for each item. For plastic sheeting, it was not possible to obtain sufficient price

data.

1. Plastic sheeting*

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA) Current stock

Full stock (Capacity) Time to replenish stock

Bafoussam 7000 20 200 Did not specify

Douala 2400 per m2 One roll - 1 week

Douala 80000 8 100 Did not specify

Bafoussam 4000 2 - Did not specify

2. Mat (2 places)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)

Current stock Full stock (Capacity) Time to replenish stock

Bafoussam 3000 50 100 1 week

Bafoussam 3000 28 - 1 week

Bafoussam 3000 56 100 1 month



Douala 3000 205 - 1 week

Douala 2500 - - 1 week

Douala 3000 - - 2 days

Douala 3000 10 - 1-2 weeks

Douala 3000 2 10 2 weeks

Douala 2500 - - 2 days

Did not specify 3000 70 100 Did not specify



Bafoussam 3000 150 - 1 month

Bafoussam 5000 50 - Did not specify




Average 3158 65 98

3. Mattress (12cm)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)


Did not specify 29200 10 - Did not specify


Douala 20000 55 200 1 week

Douala 18000 65 170 2 days

Douala 25000 20 50 1-2 weeks

15









Bafoussam 18000 60 - 1 month

Average 22,514 43 101

4. Blankets (x2)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)



Bafoussam 18000 8 1 week


Bafoussam 11000 2 1 month




Douala 18000 15 100 1 week

Douala 17000 30 1 week


Douala 10000 29 100 3 days

Bafoussam 7500 1 day

Douala 13000 105 2000 1 week

Douala 30000 79 250 5 days

Douala 6000 30 250 1-3 days

Dschang 10000 5 20 1 day

Douala 5000 10 30 2 days

Did not specify Did not specify

Bafoussam 13000 7 20 1 day

Bafoussam 18000 20 50 2 days

Douala 12000 2 days


Did not specify 18000 15 20 1 month


Bafoussam 20000 200 Did not specify





Average 15,411 38 176

16

5. Buckets (15L)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)


Douala 1000 30 200 1 week

Bafoussam 1000 100 200 1 Month





Douala 1000 - 1 week




Douala 1000 86 1500 1 week

Douala 1500 210 500 1 day

Did not specify 1000 Did not specify

Douala 1000 30 2 days








Average 1,275 90 367

6. Plastic basin

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)









Douala 1500 1 week




Douala 1000 150 3000 2 weeks





17








Bafsoussam 6000 20 90 1 week


Average 2,313 65 607

7. Jerry Can (20L)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)







Douala 2000 30 1500 1 month


Douala 3000 5 20 1 day



3,011 20 236

8. Mosquito nets

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)



Bafoussam 7800 0 On demand 1-2 days

Did not specify 2500 4 1 day

4,433 2

9. Bar soap

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)








Bafoussam 200 100 3 days

18

Bafoussam 275 4 days

Bafoussam 175 500 6000 2-3 days

Douala 175 1000 5000 2-3 days




Dschang 275 180 600 3 days


Dschang 200 180 1200 1 day






Did not specify 300 3000 Did not specify




Foumban 290 3600 Did not specify



Average 269 2,187 5,078

10. Cooking pot (10L)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA) Current stock

Full stock (Capacity) Time to replenish stock








Douala 5000 (5L) 40 150 3 days

Douala 6000 (6L) 30 50 2-3 weeks

Douala 8000 (8L) 50 100 1 month

Douala 14000 (15L) 30 100 2 weeks


Douala 1200 (12L) 3 10 2-3 weeks




Did not specify 6000 2 2 days



19


Average (for 10L only) 6,500 33 65

11. Kettle

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)










Douala 700 1 week

Douala 700 4 Did not specify

Douala 700 2 20 1-3 days













Average 889 55 244

12. Sanitary towel (packet)

Sourcing of items

Price (CFA)





500 30 60 1 month







20

Douala 850 1 week





Did not specify 600 10 50 1 day

Did not specify 700 10 50 2 days

Dschang 600 30 100 2 days

Douala 1000 10 50 1 day











Foumban 500 52 Did not specify



Average 603 56 171

21

Rental markets

Above: Images from housing in Santchou. Many displaced persons have difficult accessing potable water, and adequate sanitation facilities.

22

Rental Market Summary

There is significant overcrowding with many people/ families occupying small spaces

Living conditions are generally very poor, with people renting the lowest quality housing,

sometimes renting accommodation that was not deemed fit-for-purpose by the local

community (broken, damaged homes, with roofs that leak)

Almost all agreements are verbal for rental properties. All agreements with host families are

verbal

Almost all payments are made cash-in-hand. Very few people receive receipts for payments

(including for large advances in rental payments such as one year or six month advances) – as

this is primarily done via cash-in-hand, there is no evidence that a transaction has happened.

In general people are being exploited, renting the worst types of accommodation (sometimes

previously abandoned or left idle due to poor conditions)

Besides the overcrowding, specific issues relating to housing quality are:

o Lack of potable water, with many reporting their children have frequent stomach aches

o Poor quality sanitation facilitates (with some resorting to defecating in plastic bags)

o Poor quality doors, windows and locks, with resulting safety concerns

o Poor structural quality of dwelling, for example with leaking of roofs

For some, rental prices have increased and will increase for others as demand increases

There are wide variations on amounts being paid and how much advance should be paid. In

some areas (such as Dschang) advances of one year to six months are more common, in some

(Koutaba), they are very rare.

In some contexts people are renting, and in some people are staying with family as well. In

Santchou it is exclusively renting (or temporarily staying with displaced hosts). Some towns have

significant Anglophone local populations (and friends and family) that are hosting displaced

people.

The following pages contain results from the interviews with displaced persons with some additional

information from interviews with community leaders.

It should be noted that the following information obtained is not representative.

23

Rental market analysis While interviews were held with landlords and community leaders (both IDP and host population

community leaders), the most fruitful information obtained was from interviews with displaced persons.

Community Leader Feedback

According to the community leaders interviewed, in general almost all payments are made through cash

in hand. Unfortunately it was not possible to get reliable information on housing stock. No community

leaders or government representatives have figures or can give confident estimates on housing stock

figures and they can only speak in general terms. Estimates on prices, stock and availability vary and

appeared unreliable. It was noted by all community leaders save some in Bangourain that everywhere

the population is increasing. The figures on the population increases again vary greatly, even from

community leaders who reside in the same each town.

With the exception of a few individuals (such as for Koutaba), community leaders do not have

knowledge of the numbers of displaced within their broader localities, or even of local population

numbers. They gave varying answers on housing prices, stock, and contractual issues for the same

localities. It became clear that there is a lot of information that they do not have. Some community

leaders are very involved with their communities while some were not aware of the situation of those

that they represent.

Similarly government officials do not have this information. Therefore the results of the answers of

community leaders should be regarded with caution. There was similarly no consensus or availability of

information on the number of people who were renting, or living with host families or in other

arrangements. Some community leaders were reluctant to provide estimates on numbers living in

different dwellings and it was clear that they struggled to answer this question.

Livingwithhost

RentalLivingwithhost

Livingwithhost

Rental RentalLivingwithhost



Rental

Bangourain Didang Dschang Foumban Koutaba Magba Santchou

Total 2 7 1 1 8 7 3 7 5 5 3 19

02468

101214161820

Accomodation arrangement disclosed by displaced persons interviewed (from displaced person interviews)

24

Finding a place to stay

From the interviews with displaced persons, the main listed reason for selecting the town where people

are residing is security. This is followed by whether or not family are there. The third criteria most

selected was education, followed by cost of living (which was not selected for larger towns as well as for

smaller towns). Other reasons given were having friends in the location, access to healthcare, proximity

to home, access to livelihoods and familiarity with the location.

Below are responses from the interviews with displaced persons on whether they plan to stay where

they are for the next 12 months or not. Many found this difficult to answer due to the ongoing conflict

and a lack of certainty on when this may end.

Plan on staying next 12 months?

Bangourain Didang Dschang Foumban Koutaba Magba Santchou Total

No 2 1 5 5 6 4 9 32

Yes 6

4 2 3 3 13 31

Grand Total 8 1 9 7 9 7 22 63

Total

Security 36

Family 19

Education 14

Cheaper to live here 10

Friends 9

Healthcare 6

Proximity to home 6

Livelihoods 5

Familiarity with location 2

36

1914

10 96 6 5

2

Main reasons for selecting location

25

The below table captures the reasons that were given for staying, and reasons given for those that said

they would be going back.

Reasons to given to stay Reasons given to go back

We are not sure when the crisis will stop Cannot afford to rent

I have nowhere else to go Resettle elsewhere

But if things calm down we will go back Would like to move to bigger property due to overcrowding

I have already bought a plot here If the conflict ends we will go back

See if it is possible to buy land and build No toilet or kitchen

For the sake of peace No drinking water

All our homes have been burnt to ashes Getting too expensive

After what I have seen I cannot go back Because it is not nice here / Living condition is not good

Food is cheap Landlord refuses to do repairs, no respect for me

Low cost of transportation There are no jobs here, so will have to look elsewhere

To go and do business

Partially accepted in the community

There is nowhere like home

In general displaced people who were interviewed managed to find places to live relatively quickly with

most finding their current home within the first four weeks, first often staying with a host family

temporarily while looking for a place to stay.

Most of those interviewed have been residing in a property between 6-12 months duration. The

majority are living in the first property they were able to access. For those renting, many first stayed

with friends, or family before finding somewhere. In general, it did not take more than a few weeks for

people to find places to stay, although that may become more difficult as property availability

decreases.

23

26

9

4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

1 2to4 5to12 More than 12 (blank)

Number of weeks for displaced persons to find a place to live

26

In interviews with community leaders, the community leaders indicated that it a similar process to that

of locals for accessing properties in the area. For some they highlighted the fact that they are outsiders,

and face some stigmatization. Typically community leaders mentioned the first port of call for displaced

people arriving would be with friends or family, with community leaders. Many of the community

leaders indicated that people simply ask in the neighborhood regarding the availability of housing.

In addition, community leaders indicated that documentation requirements are different for displaced

persons, with nine community leaders mentioning that identity cards were needed, and five stating that

no documentation was needed.

6

8

21

15

01

0

5

10

15

20

25

Ask in thecommunity

Communityleaders

Family Friends (blank) Landlords

How displaced persons accessed properties (displaced person interviews)

15

7

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

No Yes (blank)

Community leaders responses to the question 'is the process for accessing housing different for displaced people?"

27

Types of rental agreements

In general almost all rental agreements are verbal. Of those displaced persons interviewed, there are

some written agreements for a few household respondents who were renting in the Menua region

(Dschang and Santchou).

Living illegally

18 community leaders said that displaced persons were not living illegally, while 11 said that they were.

Of those respondents, eight of the 31 community leaders mentioned that displaced persons are living in

abandoned buildings, with others mentioning some displaced sleeping in the streets or in churches and

other public places illegally.

0

5

10

15

20

25

No Yes (blank)

Community leaders response to the question "is the same documentation needed for IDP's and host to access properties?"

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Ban

gou

rain

Dsc

han

g

Foro

uo

nga

in(M

agb

a)

Ko

uta

ba

Mag

ba

San

tch

ou

Did

ango

Fou

mb

an

Ko

uta

ba

Mag

ba

San

tch

ou

Fou

mb

an

No Yes (blank)

Community leaders' responses as to whether some displaced persons were living illegally in their community

Total

28

Rental prices

Prices disclosed by households. Below are the average rental costs according to the number of rooms

rented as disclosed by displaced households.

The below are the averages of the 31 community leader interview estimates. The estimates in prices

ranged quite significantly. As the number of people interviewed was very small, it would not be feasible

to analyse per location.

The table is broken down by type of dwelling. In most locations displaced persons are predominantly

renting simple one room, or studio apartments, however some are renting larger apartments and

houses. In general the standard is low, and most do not have modern facilities. Roughly half of those

being rented have mud floors, with un-plastered walls. Below are price estimates (CFA) according to the

different types.

Average of cost estimates given by community leaders for housing types in their communities

Classification Chambre simple

Chambre moderne

Studio simple

Studio moderne

Appartement Maison

Type of dwelling

Simple one-room (no indoor bathroom/ toilet)

One room with indoor bathroom/ toilet

Simple studio (2 rooms with no indoor bathroom)

Modern studio (2 rooms with bathroom/ toilet)

Apartment (3 rooms or more) with bathroom and indoor kitchen

Standalone house (3 rooms or more) with bathroom

Average prices

5,839 14,000 13,295 20,667 24,389 28,158

1 room 2 rooms 3 rooms 4 rooms 5 rooms 8 rooms

Total 5125 10464 12000 12500 25000 40000

Average prices for rental properties from displaced persons interviews

29

Price data per displaced household respondent

Below is more detailed rental price data from the household interviews with displaced persons broken

down per number of rooms and location. The majority of the properties were in a poor condition and

could be classified as ‘simple’ in not having indoor toilets or washing facilities. Foumban had the highest

rental prices observed while Magba the lowest.

Location Number of rooms Total number of occupants Monthly rental amount

Dschang 1 room 14 5,000

Dschang 1 room 15 8,500

Koutaba 1 room 3 5,000

Koutaba 1 room 2 5,000

Magba 1 room 6 3,000

Santchou 1 room 15 5,000







Bangourain 2 rooms 10 10,000

Foumban 2 rooms 4 10,000




Koutaba 2 rooms 10 10,000


Magba 2 rooms 5 6,000

Santchou 2 rooms 7 5,000















30

Rental price increases

As the number of displaced persons rises, and populations increase, there is a genuine concern that

housing stocks will become very limited and that prices will rise. In some locations displaced persons

have already faced increases in rental prices. Below is the number of displaced persons responding to

the question “over the last 12 months has the amount that you have paid in rent changed?” In Santchou

there has been a noticeable number of reported increases in rent.

The below table contains responses of documented rental increases from interviews with displaced

persons.

Location Number of rooms

Type of agreement

Previous rental amount

New rental amount

Given reason for rental increase

Santchou 2 rooms Written

informal 10,000 13,000 Increase in demand

Santchou 2 rooms Verbal 5,000 7,500 Increase in population

Santchou 1 room Written

informal 3,000 5,000 Increase in population

Santchou 1 room Verbal 2,000 5,000 Increase in population

Bangourain 5 rooms Verbal 20,000 25,000 Too many persons in same

house

Magba 3 rooms Verbal 3,000 5,000 People are coming

Foumban 2 rooms Verbal 6,000 10,000 Too much population

1

5

2

6

1

6

7

1

3

8

9

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Increased Same

Number of displaced persons reporting an increase or continuation in rental price

Bangourain

Dschang

Foumban

Koutaba

Magba

Santchou

31

In addition, displaced persons were asked their thoughts regarding the upcoming 12 months and

whether they felt that rental prices would be increased for them.

The most notable difference was for Dschang where all displaced persons interviewed stated that their

rent would increase.

The main reasons attributed to this increase is continued arrivals, the rise in the number of displaced

persons and thus population increase, overcrowding of houses. Two people stated that they pleased

successfully with the landlady to keep the rent the same amount.

Payment mechanism and rental agreements

3

4

5

4

2

4

3

2

3

9

7

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Increase Same (blank)

Displaced persosns response to the question 'In the next 12 months, how will rental prices change?'

Bangourain

Didang

Dschang

Foumban

Koutaba

Magba

Santchou

Cash in hand In-kind services Mobile money Bank transfer (blank)

Total 48 12 2 1 1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Mechanism used for rental payments by displaced persosns interviewed

Other

32

Almost all payments are made by cash-in-hand, even for large sums covering six months to one year of

rent. Agreements for rent are with landlords, and almost all pay the landlords directly.

Of the displaced persons interviewed, 32 respondents did not have to pay a fee to access their property,

while 11 respondents did. The amounts ranged between 5,000 and 20,000 for the fees (not deposits or

cautions but fees to middle men, agents, community leaders or landlords themselves). One individual

gave an in-kind donation of soap as a contributory fee.

Income and expenditure (for rent)

Income varied widely amongst displaced persons interviewed, from nothing, to those earning between

5,000 per week and 75,000 per week (as a household). In general income is low. With an average

reported weekly income recorded as 11,523. Many did not earn much and did therefore not report their

income, so this figure is higher than the reality. The sample size of respondents was also extremely

small, so this should not be taken as an accurate figure.

How much displaced people can afford to rent varies widely based on socio-economic status, people’s

current livelihoods situation and family support networks.

43

80

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

No Yes (blank)

Receipt given for payment of rent (from displaced persons interviews)

1311

9

43 3

21 1 1 1 10

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0 5000 10000 3000 15000 6000 4000 4500 3500 25000 8500 1000 (blank)

Estimation by displaced households of amount of monthly rent they can afford to pay (CFA)

33

While advances can be common, only 5 respondents indicated that they had to pay a deposit. Four had

to pay a caution of 10,000 CFA while one had to pay 30,000 CFA. This was mainly in case anything was

damaged. Some have services included in the rent but many do not. Those that do the most common is

electricity followed by water. Most have to organize for this independently of the rental amount.

Evictions

While there were several displaced persons respondents who claimed that they managed to negotiate

to not be evicted though pleading with their landlord, five respondents reported being evicted from

their homes. The reasons given were that following:

1. The host family had a dispute

2. Overcrowded in same house

3. Cannot pay rent

4. The state of the house was not good and comfortable

5. High cost of rent

From the community leader interviews, 12 community leaders said that there were evictions in their

community, while 17 said that, to their knowledge, there were no evictions in their communities. The

most common reason for evictions given by community leaders was a failure to pay rent.

In interviews with displaced persons, most indicated that they did not have a problem with their

landlord or neighbours:

Problems with landlord or neighbours?

No 44

Yes 9

Of those displaced persons who did have problems, the following issues were highlighted:

Toilet, cuisine

Non-payment of rent

My load (financially) is more than me. I am restless, I have no food.

Insults, refusal to repair house because it is destroyed on top. If I complain I have to leave.

Late payment of rent

Land dispute, and over drinking water

Asking for advance payment

Payment of electricity bills

Late payment of rent

They call us terrorists

Community leaders highlighted many issues for displaced persons both for rental and hosting

properties, most notable being the poor quality sanitation, lack of potable water, structural problems

34

with the buildings being rented, lack of space, lack of privacy and security concerns. All of these issues

were frequently mentioned by the majority of the community leaders interviewed and it is clear that

these are widespread issues.

Half of displaced persons surveyed (26) stated that they borrowed money to pay rent while the other

half (25) stated that they did not. For those that do borrow, more than half borrow from friends (14

people), with other borrowing from family (5), savings and loans associations (3), neighbours (3)

community leaders (1) and an employer (1).

Negative coping mechanisms

While negative coping mechanisms were not discussed in any questionnaires, from discussions with

displaced persons and community leaders families are resorting to withdrawing children from school,

are avoiding medical treatment at critical moments, are drinking dirty water, and resorting to

exploitative working practices, including prostitution, to cover their family’s basic needs.

Stay withfriends/family

Cheaperrental

accomodation

Go backhome

Nowhereto go

Don'tknow

Hostfamily

Live onstreet

Beg forland tobuild

Stay inthe bush

at thewar zone

I will dieChange

town(blank)

Total 19 14 9 5 4 4 2 1 1 1 1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Displaced persons responses to the question: If you couldn't live in current location where would you go?

35

Housing stock

It was not possible to get detailed housing stock information, and it became clear that estimates were

not accurate as they varied significantly between different respondents, with many indicating they had

only an impression. What is clear is that the housing stock is limited, and that prices are increasing, and

it is becoming increasingly difficult to find a place to stay. Below are community leader’s responses to

the question of whether their community could accommodate a doubling of the displaced population in

terms of accommodation.

One community leader for Koutaba noted “There are houses for rent but IDP's do not have money for it.

Since the demand for houses is increasing, some of the IDP's come past Koutaba and go very far into the

villages”.

Another community leader for Santchou noted that “many abandoned houses are undergoing

renovations. Renovations are done by the landlord upon advance payment by the displaced person.”

Bangourain Didango DschangForouongain

(Magba)Foumban Koutaba Magba Santchou

Don't know 1

No 1 1 1 3 2 2 3

Yes 4 1 2 1 1 1 4

(blank)

11 1 1

3

2 2

3

4

1

2

1 1 1

4

Community leaders response to the question "If the displaced population doubled, would there be enough housing stock to

accomodate them?"

36

Host family arrangements

44 interviews were conducted with hosting families, through a host family questionnaire. Of the 44 host

family interviews, almost all were either family or friends of the displaced persons that they were

hosting.

Reasons given for selecting that particular host family:

We are very close

Old school friends

Neighbours from our village

Close family

Business partners

Close friends / colleagues

For the host families interviewed, there were no written hosting agreements and all hosting

agreements were verbal only. The conditions of the housing varied but most were complete structures,

with unpainted walls (35 out of 44), 23 with cement floors and 21 with mud floors. In general the

conditions are overcrowded. Below are the figures for number of residents with number of rooms.

Size of property (Rooms)

Number of properties surveyed

Average of total number of people currently residing in the property

Average of number of displaced persons currently residing in the property

2 rooms 12 13 5

3 rooms 12 15 7

4 rooms 12 11 5

5 rooms 4 14 6

6 rooms 3 10 4

8 rooms 1 16 6

Average - 13 6

Family FriendsMixed (Family and

Friends)No relationship

Total 21 20 2 1

0

5

10

15

20

25

Relationship of displaced persons with host family

37

Of the money paid, two were ad hoc, when they can contribute, and two were monthly and more akin

to rental agreements.

When asked how long hosting arrangements could continue, all 44 hosting family households

interviewed indicated that the displaced family could stay for over 24 months (the longest timeframe

they could select) and showed immense goodwill towards those staying with them. While in Dschang

there were some reports of difficulties with hosting families, as the majority are friends or family in

general the situation is amicable. The biggest concern besides overcrowding and a lack of privacy was

the increased burden on the head of household to provide additional food and the increased costs of

hosting people.

Money is the largest issue for housing. In addition, almost all of the families interviewed stated that the

greatest additional challenge in the rental market was the lack of housing availability.

Nothing Services Money

Total 34 6 4

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Contributions/ payments made by displaced families to hosting family

38

Livelihoods and inclusion In all contexts access to commercial opportunities and employment are there. But there is some

discrimination (in Bangourain Anglophones were denied trading spots, in Santchou Anglophones not

able to rent land – and instead have to work the local populations land for between 800-1,500 per

day)

There is discrimination, there were beatings in Bangourain (versions differ), in Santchou people are

being exploited for work and in Foumban they are subject to verbal abuse and have to pay higher

prices in the market place.

Many displaced persons would like to start business activities, but do not have the money to do so

Except for Santchou, in rural areas people can rent or buy land to cultivate

Left: A displaced lady in Santchou selling items in the local market. Right: A displaced gentleman who has established his shop in Magba. Both are trying to startup businesses in their new locations. This is hard for many due to a lack of startup capital and the discrimination that they face.

Level of integration

The level of perceived integration and discrimination varied according to each town. In Dschang and

Koutaba, both have significant long-term Anglophone populations and some displaced persons felt more

at ease there (although in Dschang, some still answered that they did not feel part of the community). In

Santchou and Bangourain, displaced persons felt that it was harder to integrate and that there is

discrimination, whereas in Magba, the population is from a similar background and have less trouble

integrating. Alongside Santchou, the most difficult location for people to integrate appeared to be

Foumban, where displaced Anglophones felt particularly high levels of discrimination.

39

With regards to how safe people felt, while the majority of displaced people interviewed stated that

they now feel safe and well accepted in their communities (see below), there were a number of people

who said no. In addition it was noted by the enumerators that this question was not easy for all

respondents to answer, and some who said yes, displayed some hesitation/ reservations regarding their

answer. There may have been several factors which were considered in this answer, including displaced

community dynamics. This may be why in Foumban, displaced persons interviewed felt significant

discrimination from the host community but the majority still opted to answer yes to the question of

whether they felt part of the community.

The following reasons were given as to why displaced people did not feel safe where they were living:

Don't know who will come tomorrow

No freedom

High level of criminality

House is dilapidated, no fence, gate or iron doors

Doors are not solid

I am a mature man and should have a place of my own

When there is theft we get accused

Bandits and thieves are here

They have threatened to send us packing

Insecurity

People calling us refugees, Ambers and Anglofou's

Cannot speak freely. We are verbally abused, even in the market

Bangourain Didang Dschang Foumban Koutaba Magba Santchou

(blank)

No 1 4 2 7

Yes 7 1 5 5 9 10 14

02468

10121416

Displaced persons responses to the question "do you feel part of the community"

(blank)

No

Yes

13

49

0

20

40

60

No Yes (blank)

Do you feel safe living here?

Total

40

Preferences on the use of cash as a modality

The local authorities’ perception of cash

From the interviews held with senior government representatives for each location visited, in general

there is support for the use of cash. There were no expressed concerns on the redirection of cash back

into the area of conflict, or on the misuse of cash by households themselves.

One official did raise the fact that they would prefer in-kind, but once they had discussed the feasibility

they were more amenable to the use of cash as this was a modality that they had not ever really

considered.

Many felt that this could help to address the housing issues, stimulate the local economy and markets

and help people to develop livelihoods. Cash for income generating activities was mentioned by

several government representatives as something that the Red Cross should consider.

The largest issues raised by the government were on transparency and accuracy of assisting those

most vulnerable and ensuring that those who are most vulnerable are included on up-to-date

distribution lists. One government representative did mention alcoholism and misuse of funds as a

potential concern.

Displaced households perception of cash

In general cash is seen very favorably and most displaced persons would prefer to receive cash over

other forms of assistance. However, there are many barriers that leave some displaced persons

concerned about the use of cash as an assistance modality.

Examples of frequently given responses by displaced persons for the use of cash as a modality

I will have a choice

47

18

2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

Cash Combination In-kind (blank)

Displaced persons on what modality or combination of modality they would prefer

41

Concerns/ reasons raised for the use of

other modalities

Prices are high, quality is low

Some things might be cheaper if you

buy them yourself and distribute

Cash may be mismanaged

Displaced persosns on anticipated

problems with the use of cash.

48 - No problems anticipated

12 - Yes, problems anticipated

Reasons given: Insecurity and theft.

We know what to prioritise

To start up/ develop a small business

To finance house and education needs

With cash I can buy my needs and pay rent

I know what I need at all moments

Facilitate access to services

To construct a home

For education, health, food and small business

With cash we can get better accommodation

We already have mattresses and mosquito nets

42

Below are the stated spending priorities of displaced persons should they receive or have additional

cash to spend.

Education FoodImprovedhousing

Invest inlivelihoods

Health NFI's

Total 23 15 13 11 5 1

23

1513

11

5

1

0

5

10

15

20

25

1st priority should displaced persons have additional cash

Food Education HealthImprovedHousing

Invest inlivelihoods

Water NFI's (blank)

Total 23 17 12 11 2 1 1

23

17

1211

21 1

0

5

10

15

20

25

2nd priority should displaced persons have additional cash

HealthImprovedHousing

FoodInvest in

livelihoodsEducation Water NFI (blank)

Total 17 17 16 6 4 3 3

17 1716

6

43 3

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

3rd priority should displaced persons have additional cash

43

Transfer mechanism

Following in-depth discussions with the main financial service providers in all the localities visited, and

discussions with displaced persons and in the marketplaces, the following conclusions were made:

Mobile money is in all the towns, and vendors are common place. However there are liquidity

issues in all smaller towns. Express Exchange was present in all the towns and mobile money can

be withdrawn through them.

Mobile money and mobile transfer agents are in all locations, and there is significant

competition. However in more rural areas outside of the towns this is not available.

Most mobile agents only speak French and language has been mentioned as a barrier by some.

Agents would not reveal liquidity, but Express exchange has the capacity for 2-3 million CFA

withdrawals in one day. There were concerns amongst people surveyed that there is not always

enough cash for withdrawals. This is not an issues in Dschang or Foumban, but it is for the

smaller towns. However agents can travel to the nearby cities to retrieve cash and this normally

takes a few hours. In general this sector is growing rapidly.

Almost all property owners prefer to receive cash-in-hand, as do traders. It is possible to make

payments with mobile money, although this is still very much a cash based economy.

Many would prefer mobile money (Orange for Noun, MTN for Menua) but some would prefer

cash-in-hand. The reasons for some preferring cash-in-hand is lack of documentation, no

mobile phone or not being familiar with the

technology (some elderly were unsure).

However in general mobile money is seen as

more secure and preferable

Documentation is an issue everywhere, with

some people not having identify documents (or

they are damaged). They are paying inflated

fees to have new ones and many experience

issues here. Also because many lack birth

certificates.

Above: An example of an identity card that has been damaged with the Cameroonian flag removed. This has been done to many as they were fleeing the conflict.

44

Estimation of the most popular FSP amongst displaced population (from interviews with displaced

persons) by location:

Second most popular:

Economeof the

hospital

ExpressUnion

First TrustBank

MobileMoney

MTNmobilemoney

Orangemobilemoney

(blank)

Bangourain 2 6

Didang 1

Dschang 1 1 4 3

Foumban 3 4

Koutaba 7 2

Magba 1 3 6

Santchou 1 16

ExpressExchange

ExpressUnion

MTNmobilemoney

NextelOrangemobilemoney

WesternUnion

(blank)

Bangourain 5 2 1

Didang 1

Dschang 1 4 1 1

Foumban 1 1 3 1 1

Koutaba 1 1 7

Magba 1 1 5 3

Santchou 1 5 1 9

45

Below are reponses on the use of mobile money from displaced persons interviews:

Total

No 11

Yes 52

(blank)

11

52

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Do you use mobile money?

38

25

0

10

20

30

40

No Yes (blank)

Do displaced people in the community have problems accessing financial service

providers?

Reasons given for not using mobile

money:

• Lack of documentation

• SIM card registered with someone

else

• I have had no use for it

• No account

• Still to create account

• Charges

Major issues mentioned as reasons for

not accessing financial service

providers:

• Lack of ID cards

• No mobile phone

• Not enough liquidity to warrant

an account

• Too far away

• No service in English

• Do not know how to use this

46

Annex 1: Enumeration team debriefing notes

The below are the notes from the daily debriefs that were held with the enumeration team after field

work was completed. This involved each enumerator recounting their experience during the interviews

and any specific and general observations made during the field work, which other enumerators could

then add to. Following the completion of field work in both Menua and Noun, a longer summary debrief

was held with the team to get general perceptions and observations. These debriefs helped to capture

additional information that was not included in the data collection forms but could inform the study.

13th May 2019 – Dschang

Most displaced are living in very poor conditions, including in sub-standard accommodation and

are overcrowded

There is not enough stock at the low end of the market to accommodate current or increased

demand

There is stock at the higher end (e.g. for modern rooms or studios, apartments and houses), but

displaced persons cannot afford this market

There are very few jerry cans at 20 liters in the market, this is because most people keep theirs

for a long time, so the demand is low. It takes one week for suppliers to order this and receive.

One vendor has a large stock.

Generally most traders have very low amounts of stock, due to a lack of capital. They all source

their material directly from Douala, but when low on stock will share across traders (supply each

other)

The delegate for housing indicated that the government are in the process of building affordable

housing, although this is unlikely to be at the lower end of the market or affordable to displaced

persons

Prices are very variable, as there is a vast difference in quality, but each vendor has their own

price, and this can also change based on customer type.

Only one person in Dschang sells plastic sheeting at 2,400 per m2, and this must be pre-ordered.

Rental agreements are predominantly oral, there are very few written agreements (either

formal or informal)

This is a strong Cash-Based society, for paying rent, landlords prefer to receive cash-in-hand,

even at the high end of the market

For students 1 years advance must be paid for rent. For families it is common practice to ask for

six months’ rent in advance.

14th May 2019 – Dschang

Overcrowding is rife, houses are overpopulated and often in very poor conditions.

Most people who are hosted are family members, or from the same village as the host family.

They have strong connections, and are willing to host them for the foreseeable future. Although

this is not the case for some.

One displaced person interviewed couldn’t host us at their home, because they were not

allowed by the host family, this person has to work for the family (house chores) in order to use

47

the shelter. Before being hosted they were strangers. He has been evicted twice, because of

quarrels between the host family heads of household.

Families are often split up, with some staying with relatives in Dschang, but other family

member elsewhere, due to overcrowding

It varies on payments and contributions, but many stay for free with hosts until they can find

another solution, of those now renting, some were first staying with relatives until a solution

could be found

Identity documents are an real issue, particularly in relation to accessing mobile money

accounts, those without identity documents feel that they are being exploited (charges are a lot

more)

Some are providing services (such as labor) to pay / contribute to rent

Some feel prejudice when spending as Anglophones. They feel they are charged more and

exploited both for rent and for buying items.

Displaced people are happy with what they can access in the market, they can find what they

need. Only money is an issue.

Most of people interviewed have MTN and younger people have mobile money (a few are

reluctant to open an account because it costs to do this)

Mosquito nets in selected pharmacies and very expensive. People are used to receiving

distributions. They are given for free by the hospital at pre-natal checks. Distributions will be

end of March for the whole population in Cameroon. Displaced people who are on lists will be

included in distributions for Menua.

Prices are higher for single items / small number of items, but buying in bulk is much cheaper

Mostly verbal agreements. Even for rent. A few have informal written agreements, wealthier

displaced people have formal contracts.

Spending priorities for extra cash, education and food rank highest, followed by ‘improved

housing’.


Serious issues with registration, many people have not been registered

No formal structures for the rental market and no government overview, they don’t know how

many properties are in Santchou, and how many people are renting

There are a lot of women with children who are without their husbands

Documentation is a problem for some people

Money is the no 1 issue for people

Mobile money easy to access

Most are renting homes, not a lot are hosting, if they are it is mostly displaced persons hosting

displaced for a short time before they start renting

No 20 litre Jerry cans are available

Prices for rental properties are increasing

Very few people have mosquito nets and there are a lot of mosquitos

It is harmonious in general, there is good social cohesion

MTN is the most popular network amongst the displaced Anglophone population (mainly due to

the fact that services and support are in English)

3 shops for mattresses only

48

Displaced people who are renting do not feel that they are being treated well

Some people have to pay advances for a rental property before it is finished / ready to be used

There is discrimination on the price of potable water, displaced people are paying for water that

locals do not have to pay for

There is a low stock for products generally (because of a lack of capital) but the supply chain is

strong and responsive, so products can be brought in fairly quickly (from Douala or Baffousam)

There are a large amount of wholesalers and stockists in Baffoussam


Many people go to Santchou because it is cheaper

The conditions that some people are staying in are severely poor condition, particularly for water

and sanitation

Many houses are in poor conditions, made from substandard materials, many are broken and

almost all are unfinished

Rent is going up, some examples from 3,000-5,000, from 10,000 to 15,000.

If people cannot pay they are kicked out, many resort to borrowing money to pay rent

Most are having to resort to daily labour as agriculturalists and are paid from 800 to 1,500 per day

for a full days labour.

People are still arriving and the number of displaced is increasing

When people cannot pay, they also offer labour in return

People are threatened when not paying rent, stigmatized and called rebels

Despite it being generally harmonious there is a lot of disrcrimination. Examples of discrimination.

People not given tickets for a market stall because they are Anglophone.

Prostitution is happening, one lady did this in order to send her children to school

Language is a problem for using express union, they only speak French (which is a challenge for

receiving remittances)

Some people have requested agricultural inputs, so they can farm

Some can get land, but most are refused and have to work other people’s land for very low wages

Mobile money is there, but the amount of cash for withdrawal is low, sometimes they run out of

cash. However even the smallest traders accept mobile money (for items such as tomatoes)

The only formal mobile money shop is Orange

Outside of the main town centre, there are no/ few mobile money agents/ places to withdraw

Registration and the distribution process were both handled badly, with many not understanding

why they were not registered and didn’t recieve

Some people are getting sick from poor quality water (many mentioned that their children have

stomach aches from the local water)

One shop is selling plastic sheets at minimum of 8,000 (for a used plastic sheets)

There is some discrimination, for example some displaced have said that they are accused by host

community of crimes they did not commit (because they are Anglophones)

It is not clear what modality they prefer, or the mechanism, some would like in-kind goods, some

cash. Some would prefer cash in hand, some mobile money.

49

People want to do small businesses/ commercial activities and some mentioned they would use

cash for this

Straw mattresses are not available only foam, which are more expensive. People would prefer

straw.

Some have to pay 6-12 months’ rent, but some have not had to

Types of agreements for rental properties vary widely, majority don’t have contracts. Those who do

are better off.

Lots of traders accept mobile money (including small stalls)

Some do not feel part of the community because of differences in culture

Differences between Dschang and Santchou

Dschang is a more expensive

There is a significant displaced population in Dschang that have a network/ family in the town

(hence why there is a lot more hosting)

There is better quality accommodation in Dschang

Water and sanitation is much worse in Santchou

Flooding is a problem in Santchou. As are mosquitos’s. Tents would not be feasible due to flooding.

There is agricultural work in Santchou, but many daily labour options in Dschang (cleaning, guarding

etc.)

The middle class are in Dschang, rather than Santchou

Stock for higher quality housing in Dschang that is available

There is no stock for higher quality housing in Santchou

There is little stock for poor quality housing in either place

Key questions posed to the enumeration team

1. Can we do cash?

Yes, this would be the best modality, it will give people a choice. They have so many pressing needs that

cash can help them to prioritize. No conditions should be placed on this. However, some support would

be needed, and some specific items may be distributed instead (for example mosquito nets).

Market competition can be there for items, even if there is little competition amongst traders in

Santchou, the market network, supply chain and systems are strong.

2. What mechanism would be best?

Mobile money (MTN preferable to displaced persons), for transparency and safety, but some people

don’t have phones or documentation. Hence work would be needed to either to get the service

provider/ government to agree to issue SIM cards without government ID (perhaps Red Cross issued

displacement / registration document). Other option is pushing government to issue free/ quick ID

cards. Or cash in hand for some (as a last option). Training / and a support line would need to be

provided for some people unfamiliar with how to use this. If the withdrawal capacity is low. We can

stagger mobile money payments and work with the FSP to ensure liquidity.

3. Targeting

Should be done involving the community. Should not do blanket assistance as some people are less

vulnerable (e.g. civil servants still on government payroll). There is a need to have transparency

throughout the targeting process, to involve IDP community leaders in the development of eligibility

50

criteria, but the Red Cross should make final decision on eligibility/ through a social panel. Scoring

against set criteria could work. Should be strong complaints and redress mechanism in place.

18th May – Bangourain

- Sub-prefect in favour of using cash as a modality

- Health and finance problems

- Landlords want the government to give money for construction

- People are struggling to pay rent, some people are defaulting/ not paying rent

- The water is a serious problem, the quality is very poor

- The market has low stock, due to lack of liquidity and demand

- No plastic sheeting, no 20l jerry cans, no mosquito nets, very few marmites

- No clear understanding on figures of how many rent/ do not rent.

- Hard to find places to rent

- Many help with services to pay for hosting (possibility they are being exploited/ overworked)

- 1,500 a day for laboring

- 25 December it was reported that certain IDP’s were beaten at the market place by the

Committee de Vigilance following the attack on Bangourain. The people were also threatened

with being burnt.

- Many displaced people would like to buy land

- Not easy for displaced persons to access a market place

- Most people do not change locations once they find a place to stay

- Not many vendors use mobile money

- There are question marks over the withdrawal capacity of mobile money

- Displaced people meeting together is viewed badly

19th May - Magba

- Sub-prefect and village chief in favour of using cash as a modality

- Many people didn’t know about registration

- It is possible to access land (for rent and to buy)

- Displaced people are generally well accepted here, it is harmonious and there are good relations

- English is widely spoken as this is so close to the border

- FSP’s are OK, there is a lack of liquidity for smaller financial service providers, but Express

Exchange has larger capacity

- Most have not paid much advance for rent or deposits (very few have paid the 6-12 months

advance)

- Not a lot of competition for mats, and mattresses (only 2 shops)

- No mosquito nets at all

- No 20L Jerrycans

- Very few plastic sheets (5 in total)

- Not enough available housing, some people are living in abandoned properties

- Prices are comparably low. A simple room is 3,000 CFA a month.

- No clean water, or electricity outside of town. People have to use solar (if they can) and are

complaining of stomach aches

- There is overcrowding

51

- Hosting families are not charging rent, but they do ask for labour, including some children who

are working as adults.

- Most people would prefer to receive cash as a modality

- Some came with initial cash, but as they have run out their relationships have become

exploitative

- In some areas there are most displaced than host (Folongie and Titreh)

- Those living outside of town, do not generally sen

Cash for NFI and shelter feasibility study...Village - Didango (Koutaba) 6 A mix of data collection...

Documents

Transcript of Cash for NFI and shelter feasibility study...Village - Didango (Koutaba) 6 A mix of data collection...