Lessons Learned From Six Landscape Restoration Initiatives in Cameroon with Focus on the Species Selection and Women's Involvement

Abstract

This chapter examines lessons learned from the implementation of six relatively recent landscape restoration projects in Cameroon, focusing on how gender equality has been addressed and identifying best practices for optimizing participation. It also evaluates mechanisms for species selection and employs process evaluation methodologies to assess the socio-economic and ecological impacts of various restoration approaches. One significant finding is that participant remuneration serves as a powerful incentive, often perceived as having a major positive impact compared to medium- and long-term ecological benefits. The participation of women in these projects is notably low, with many facing barriers related to morals, religion, and restrictions on land ownership and personal freedom. Women generally prefer food crops over cash crops like cocoa or forestry and tend to focus on species that produce non-timber forest products (NTFPs). The lack of female involvement in prioritizing species creates challenges in ownership and monitoring of planted sites. Additionally, forestry- related activities remain predominantly male-dominated. It is crucial to consider the busy seasons of female participants in the planning and implementation phases to improve their involvement.