How Community-Led Reforestation Strengthens Conservation and Climate Resilience
In the sun-scorched villages of Tchamba, nestled within northern Cameroon’s rugged Faro landscape near the Nigerian border, the cracked earth and brittle grass reveal an ecosystem under siege from advancing climate change. Adjacent to Faro National Park—a sanctuary for forest elephants, lions, and antelopes, among other endangered species—the area faces significant threats to its rich biodiversity.
In addition to climate change, the Faro landscape faces human-induced challenges such as transhumance (the seasonal cross-border movement of livestock), commercial poaching, illegal gold mining, and wildlife trafficking. Communities along the Faro River endure extreme weather—devastating floods during the rainy season and prolonged droughts in the dry season, with temperatures often soaring between 33 and 44 degrees Celsius (91 and 111 degrees Fahrenheit) Fahrenheit).
Community-Led Conservation
In response to these challenges, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), in partnership with the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) and with support from the European Union, is working with local communities to revitalize Faro’s ecosystems. This initiative, which started in 2017, focuses on strengthening the resilience of communities around Faro National Park against the adverse effects of climate change through sustainable and nature-friendly solutions.
According to Amadou Aboubakar, AWF’s senior community development officer for the Faro landscape, empowering communities and restoring ecosystems is central to the initiative.
“The initiative targets Faro’s semi-arid regions, aiming to restore degraded landscapes and improve local livelihoods,” Aboubakar said. “AWF leads community engagement and conservation efforts, while ICRAF contributes expertise in agroforestry and sustainable agriculture.”
The project combines tree planting with community education, distributing resilient tree species such as baobab, cashew, African mahogany, mango, and moringa. More than 40,000 trees have been planted, selected for their ability to thrive in harsh conditions.
Success Stories From Faro
In 2021, AWF and ICRAF established the Tchamba Rural Resource Center, which has played a pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture and conservation. The center serves as a hub for various community-driven initiatives aimed at regreening the semi-arid landscape and supporting conservation-friendly livelihoods.
Haoua Laraba, president of the Tchamba Rural Resource Center, shared how AWF’s support transformed her community.
“With AWF’s help, 27 women and seven young men, including myself, revitalized our millet farming businesses,” she said. “AWF installed a solar-powered water point and provided a large storage facility, ensuring reliable water access for farming.”
The center offers training in sustainable agriculture and business management, empowering more than 100 villagers and enabling the creation of microenterprises. The center’s nursery has distributed indigenous tree and fruit seedlings to local communities.
Since the onset of this initiative, AWF has engaged more than 1 million people in Faro through community meetings, awareness campaigns, and school-based environmental education programs. This outreach has transformed local attitudes toward conservation, enabling the community—which once saw trees primarily as a source of firewood—to recognize their vital role in long-term survival.
Youkouda Koeranga, the Lamido (traditional ruler) of Tchamba, witnessed this shift firsthand.
“AWF has rekindled our community’s love for trees,” he said. “The increase in tree planting is especially welcome as droughts and soil degradation have worsened due to deforestation.”
“Before AWF’s reforestation efforts, the environment was severely degraded, and livestock fodder was scarce,” Moussa Abdoulaye, the focal point of the Tchamba Rural Resource Center recalled. “Now, ecosystems are regenerating, and fodder is more abundant, benefiting both people and wildlife.”
According to Saliou Atikou, a member of the Tchamba community, when AWF began its work in Faro, only two dedicated tree farmers were active in the region. Today, that number has grown to at least 11.
“Before learning sustainable fruit farming techniques from AWF, my trees took six to eight years to bear fruit,” he said. “Now, they fruit in three to four years, with significantly higher yields.”
Saliou now sells his mangoes and oranges at the local market, earning a steady income to support his family of six.
Sustaining the Momentum
Abdoulaye emphasized the community’s commitment to continuing the fight against climate change even after AWF’s initiative ends.
“We will use AWF’s technical knowledge to raise awareness about ecosystem protection,” he said. “We have taught women and youth how to produce and multiply plants and established ‘Nature-Lovers’ clubs in schools to promote tree planting and environmental stewardship from an early age.”
The clubs, supported by AWF, have been established in five schools across Tchamba, Fignole, and Voko. Students participate in tree planting and other ecosystem-friendly activities, learning about the interconnectedness of life and the importance of protecting their natural heritage.
The reforestation efforts in Faro are vital for restoring habitats and safeguarding endangered species. By planting trees and restoring ecosystems, the project has enhanced wildlife conservation efforts, mitigated the impacts of extreme weather, and promoted biodiversity—ensuring a sustainable future for the region.