Gender consideration in land restoration initiatives, Cameroon

Empowering women is essential for the success and sustainability of land restoration efforts in Cameroon, a country rich in ecological diversity but facing significant environmental challenges. This study aims to assess the development of gender-sensitive restoration options and encourage researchers and practitioners to better integrate gender into land restoration projects. It specifically investigates how selected initiatives consider gender as a key factor throughout the project cycle in the Bimodal Humid Forest, Western Highland, and Sudano-Sahelian zones of Cameroon. Although women play central roles in agriculture and natural resource management, they are often excluded from decision-making, limiting their ability to effectively contribute to restoration efforts. Through examining various land restoration projects, the study finds that while women are involved in crucial activities like agroforestry and tree planting, systemic barriers such as limited access to land, resources, and leadership roles hinder their full participation. Some projects have made progress by integrating gender perspectives and involving women in decision-making and leadership, but advancements remain limited. The study highlights the need for gender-responsive project design to ensure more inclusive, effective, and sustainable outcomes in land restoration.