The recent local launch workshop of the PALM-TREEs project, held from 12 to 13 December 2024 at the Jardin Paradisiaque Hotel in Guider, Northern Cameroon, brought together over forty stakeholders from various sectors to address critical climate risks and promote resilience, particularly among marginalised communities. This event aimed to share the project’s vision, gather valuable contributions, and foster collaboration among participants, including local authorities, researchers, onion producers, traders, and transporters.

Entitled “A Pan-African and Transdisciplinary Perspective on the Marginalised: Tackling Risks Associated with Extreme Events,” the PALM-TREEs project focuses on reducing climate-related vulnerabilities and enhancing the resilience of vulnerable populations in the face of extreme weather events. The workshop commenced with a warm welcome from the Mayor of Guider, who expressed gratitude for the initiative and emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.

Monique Yigbedek, the Regional Coordinator of REFADD, also spoke to highlight the project’s unique approach, which prioritises the needs of local communities and fosters the co-production of climate information. She stressed the importance of involving local actors in the decision-making process to ensure that the solutions developed are relevant and effective. This collaborative approach aims not only to strengthen community resilience but also to create a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.

Following her, Professor Wilfried Pokam Mba, Principal Co-Researcher and Central Africa Coordinator of PALM-TREEs, underscored the necessity of coordinating the efforts of all stakeholders to maximise the project’s impact. He highlighted the importance of sharing best practices and lessons learned to improve outcomes on the ground, thereby enhancing the resilience of marginalised and vulnerable groups against the effects of climate extremes.

Discussions during the workshop also centred on the socio-economic dynamics affecting agricultural practices, particularly onion production, which is crucial for the region’s economy. Participants exchanged ideas on practical solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and food security, employing methodologies that assess both soil quality and climatic conditions while integrating local knowledge.

Furthermore, a special emphasis was placed on gender integration in agricultural practices. Representatives from various ministries discussed ongoing initiatives to empower women and marginalised groups in decision-making processes. The matrix developed during the workshop outlines the commitment of the PALM-TREEs project to enhance agricultural resilience by prioritising marginalised women, persons with disabilities, and internally displaced individuals through awareness campaigns and gender-specific risk profiling. Key activities for farmers include seed production and training, with recommendations for collaboration with the National Veterinary Laboratory (LANAVET) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MINADER) for research dissemination and seed certification.

Additionally, the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and the Family (MINPROFF) was identified as crucial for training women and addressing issues of domestic violence, while the meteorological service is essential for providing necessary climate data. Overall, the matrix emphasises inclusive strategies, legal considerations, and strengthened cooperation among agricultural cooperatives to improve effectiveness and resilience.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants reflected on the discussions and established expectations for future collaboration. A key outcome was the creation of a stakeholder interaction matrix designed to enhance engagement among all parties involved in the PALM-TREEs project.

This initiative represents a significant step towards addressing climate risks and promoting resilience in Cameroon. By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, the PALM-TREEs project aims to create sustainable solutions that will benefit not only the immediate community but also serve as a model for similar efforts across the region. Ultimately, the project aspires to transform agricultural practices, particularly in onion production, ensuring a brighter future for producers and local communities alike.