CAEPA CONVENES SUB DIVISIONAL DIALOGUE ON LAND RESTORATION
To address the issue of farmer/ grazers' conflict as well as place women on decision making tables for land restoration in the Mbororo community of Tubah, CAEPA Cameroon has convened a Tubah Sub Divisional Dialogue under the theme "creating an enabling environment for Mbororo pastoralist women in decision processes. Attended by over 50 Mbororo women leaders in Tubah, the event registered the presence of the Lord Mayor, Divisional officer, Imams , Ardos and other stakeholders.
Dialogue Theme
"Creating an enabling environment for Mbororo pastoralist women in decision processes"
This session which has been organized to enable these women partake in discussions on decisions that concerns them, acts as a means to reduce their economic and social vulnerability. Tanjong Martin the Lord Mayor for Tubah reacts to CAEPA's efforts "I lack words to express my joy. On an individual base, I work with the Mbororo community but when you look at the work that CAEPA has done right up to this moment, It would have cost me so much to do it. Also I must chip in here that the land law is not favorable to Cameroonians and to the women in particular. That law needs to be revised to fit present times".
I lack words to express my joy. On an individual base, I work with the Mbororo community but when you look at the work that CAEPA has done right up to this moment, It would have cost me so much to do it. Also I must chip in here that the land law is not favorable to Cameroonians and to the women in particular. That law needs to be revised to fit present times.
At the dialogue table, Mbororo women pushed fort the idea of growing friendship and meeting agreements to address farmer grazer conflicts that has for the past years hindered community growth and caused division. They pointed out that farmers need organic manure for their crops and cattle owners need land for grazing. Based on this reality, they proposed that both can work together for peaceful coexistence in the community. This input works right in line with the objective of the project. The project seeks to create a platform for dialogue between farmers and herders to resolve conflicts and promote peaceful coexistence. The project has successfully educated indigenous people on the importance of preserving their pasture lands for sustainable grazing practices. Also, it has increased Mbororo women's access to land through advocacy carried out by team CAEPA. These women have equally been awakened by teachings on their land rights and land tenure systems.
Farmers need organic manure from cattle, while herders need grazing land - creating opportunities for cooperation
Building friendship and agreements to resolve farmer-grazer conflicts through dialogue
Educating communities on sustainable grazing practices and pasture land conservation
Teaching Mbororo women about their land rights and tenure systems
Haven come this far to sit before stakeholders and have their voices heard, these women admit that they are satisfied with the enlightenment CAEPA has brought to their community.
It all seemed like a dream from the beginning but today we are here seated before government officials and heads of our community. It feels like a miracle and I am so positive that this dialogue will yield good fruits as we go back to our communities
This project has educated us on how to resolve farmer grazer conflicts. Today we are going back with the message of friendship because we just realized that we can all benefit from each other. I am so pleased because we have the Imam present alongside some Ardo's and herdsmen. We are sure that those we left behind will get the full information and it shall bring lasting change in our community.
On the part of the cattle owners present, they say that one main point to be addressed is the absence of boundary setting. They left the dialogue with the idea of ensuring that every woman's farm is fenced as a means to stop stray animals from destroying their crops. That way, farmers can realize fruitful harvest and the community can live in peace and harmony.
