YAOUNDE, Cameroon (PAMACC News) - Cameroon youths have expressed their interest in driving the green transition initiative , stepping up the challenge and leading initiative to protect Africa’s forest in particular and the environment in general. The young scientists, researchers and students in forestry are touting their role as present and future force for change in the forestry sector in Africa. They were speaking at a workshop organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) at the National Forestry School in Mbalmayo, Cameroon June 11-13, 2025 In a vox pop, some of the workshop participants, highlighted their engagements in forest and environmental conservation through activism and advocacy, expressing the wish to beequipped with skills and knowledge to better contribute in the global forestry discourse. “ As a young researcher I have been working with others in my institution to implement innovative projects to biodiversity and natural resources. This training workshop will certainly improve my knowledge particularly in forestry issues and assist me do my research work better,” says Prudence Bakari, young researcher from the Agricultural Research Institute for Development, IRAD. IRAD she says promotes agricultural development, in the areas of plant, animal, fishery, forestry, environmental production, as well as food and agro-industrial technologies. Students of the National Forestry School Mbalmayo also taking part in the workshop say it’s imperative for the youths to articulate and amplify their voices in the green transition drive. “ Being a student in the forestry school already shows my interest in the sector. Trainings like this organized by African Forest Forum comes to add to what we are learning in school and this will permit for better understanding of the intricacies involved in the forestry sector,” notes NguepiManfo Paul Martial, senior student technician in forestry and wildlife. The youths also agree that their empowerment especially of young girls to become future leaders in conservation is ensuring sustainability and guarantee for a better future for Africa. “ Empowering young women in forest conservation and climate change is the right solution in the right direction because women are a force to reckon with in any development drive, especially the fight against poverty in grass root communities vulnerable to climate change like the North and Far North of Cameroon,” says Yadjua Heidi, student of National Advance School PlytechnicMaroua. lame Elias The training workshop according to AFF hinges on the fact that Green transition in the era of information technology requires tech savvy and innovative ideas of the youths, to better succeed. “ These training sessions is expected to provide a platform for young people to articulate their voices improve on their technological knowledge for the future of forest and drive green economic opportunities,” DrMoussaMassaoudou of AFF representative of the Executive Secretary Prof. LabodePopoola at the workshop, noted in his opening address. Environment science experts say the empowerment of youths to take up roles in biodiversity conservation in Africa has become imperative. “The…

As climate change accelerates and forest ecosystems face mounting threats, the African Forest Forum (AFF), in collaboration with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), is bringing together young changemakers for a transformative three-day National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, Cameroon, from June 11 to 13. The event, held under the theme “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry,” aims to equip young Africans with the tools, knowledge, and networks to drive climate-smart forestry and green innovation across the continent. In this exclusive interview, Prof. Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary and CEO of AFF, shares insights into the workshop’s objectives, why youth are central to Africa’s forestry future, and what participants—and stakeholders—can expect from this timely and action-oriented gathering. Read on… AFF is organizing a National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo from June 11–13. What inspired this initiative, and why is it being hosted in Mbalmayo in particular, and Cameroon this year? Prof. Labode Popoola: The National Youth Workshop in Mbalmayo, organized by the African Forest Forum (AFF) in partnership with the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI), aims to empower youth as catalysts for sustainable forest management, conservation, and green economy innovation. Recognizing their passion, digital acumen, and connection to nature, the initiative seeks to equip young Africans with scientific knowledge, practical skills, and policy engagement tools to tackle deforestation and climate change.Cameroon was selected as this year’s host for its ecological diversity and leadership in Central African forestry, with Mbalmayo providing an ideal setting through its forestry institutions and vibrant community initiatives. Held at the National Forestry School, the workshop brings youth closer to the forest, the science, and the solutions—placing them at the center of transformative action. The theme of the workshop is “From Science to Youth Action for Sustainable Forestry.” What does this mean in practical terms, especially for young participants? Prof. Labode Popoola:In practical terms, the theme is about bridging the gap between knowledge and action. It means translating both scientific and indigenous knowledge on forests into concrete, youth-led initiatives that promote sustainability. The workshop aims to equip young people with the skills, tools, and confidence needed to manage and conserve forests effectively. It also fosters innovation and green entrepreneurship—encouraging youth to develop forest-based businesses and climate-smart solutions. Finally, it strengthens youth advocacy, ensuring that young voices are heard in policy spaces and forest-related decision-making processes. How does the workshop plan to bridge the gap between scientific and indigenous forest knowledge and youth-led action Prof. Labode Popoola: The workshop brings together scientific and indigenous knowledge by creating a space where both are respected and shared. Through expert presentations, practical field activities, and group work discussions, participants learn about forest ecology, climate-smart techniques, and traditional conservation practices. Young people are then supported to translate this combined knowledge into practical actions—such as starting forest-based businesses, leading advocacy efforts, digital campaigns or launching community projects. By blending theory with hands-on learning and local insights, the workshop…

NAIROBI, Kenya (PAMACC News) - Agroecology has been identified as one of the most important pathways to climate resilience and a transformative approach to sustainable food systems for the African continent. In short, the approach integrates ecological and social principles into farming practices to address challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. The second Conference on Agroecology that was held in Nairobi last month demonstrated how agroecology was being used to offer sustainable farming solutions that create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young generation, thereby reducing rural-urban migration. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), agroecology reconnects people to their food and producers to consumers making healthy food accessible to all consumers and available for its use in healthy and sustainable diets. And now, the East African Legislative Assembly has endorsed a resolution officially recognising agroecology as a strategic priority for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource management across the East African region Hon Uwumukiza Françoise a Member of Parliament from the East African Legislative Assembly and Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Tourism and Natural Resources (EALA-ATNR) explains why the farming practice in an exclusive interview with Climate Action. Q: Does EALA recognize agroecology as a credible, science-based solution for food and nutrition security in East Africa? Yes. In fact, the EALA, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and support from the Centre for Food and Adequate Living Rights (CEFROHT) has endorsed a resolution officially recognising agroecology as a strategic priority for formulating and recommending sustainable policies in agriculture, tourism, and natural resource management across the East African region. Through the EALA-ATNR committee, we have started building capacities of legislators from member states, where the first training was held recently in Kampala, Uganda bringing together 60 parliamentarians from Kenya Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. By embracing agroecology, we are committed to creating a future that values ecological integrity and the welfare of our people, with the aim to end hunger by 2030 as we promote the right to adequate food, leaving no one behind. Q. What success stories or evidence can help position agroecology as a transformative pathway for resilient and sustainable food systems in the region? There is overwhelming evidence that agroecology works, and that is why at this moment, we are focusing on implementation. Today, there exist several methodologies of nourishing the soil organically. As well, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA) for example, has collected so many cases from across Africa to showcase successes of agroecology. Besides, there are several organisations that advocate for indigenous seed, others are producing biofertilisers, biopesticides and organic soil conditioners. However, there are other interests that are not happy that agroecology is succeeding and they are working hard to dilute the progress. If we support genetically modified food for example, we may end up having a lot of food that is not safe for health and livelihoods of our citizens. Q. How can EALA collaborate with farmers,…

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast, (PAMACC News) -- The African Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have reinforced their strategic partnership to enhance collective efforts in addressing fragility and building resilience across Africa. This commitment follows a high-level technical exchange held from 22-23 April at the Bank headquarters in Abidjan. The two-day mission brought together senior officials from both institutions to align approaches, share best practices, and strengthen collaboration to address complex challenges-- particularly in transition states or experiencing fragility. This meeting builds on previous engagements between the two development institutions, including a 2019 Civil Society deep dive facilitated by the African Development Bank’s Civil Society Division, where key areas for joint action were initially identified. "This strategic alliance with IsDB reinforces our shared vision of addressing complex challenges in transition states through tailored, context-specific approaches," said Yero Baldeh, Director of the Transition States Coordination Office at the African Development Bank. "By aligning our methodologies and leveraging our complementary strengths, we can deliver more sustainable solutions in places where development needs are most acute." The IsDB delegation was led by Ahmed Berthe, Lead NGO and Civil Society Specialist, and included Esra Sayhi and Abass Kassim, both Senior Fragility and Resilience Specialists. "Our institutions serve many of the same member countries facing similar challenges," noted Berthe. "What has impressed us most is the African Development Bank's shift toward anticipatory action and prevention rather than simply responding to crises. This partnership creates a framework for maximizing our collective impact through coordinated investments, shared knowledge, and aligned strategic priorities." The exchange spotlighted the African Development Bank’s Transition Support Facility (TSF), which committed more than $610 million to projects in fragile contexts in 2024. Discussions explored how the TSF’s approach could complement IsDB's financing tools and create stronger synergies in countries where both institutions operate. Climate security emerged as a key theme, with both partners recognizing the role of environmental challenges exacerbating fragility, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. The partnership will help develop integrated approaches that address immediate needs and build long-term resilience for both institutions. The exchange also explored ways to harmonize assessment methodologies, coordinate financial instruments, and implement integrated approaches to climate security, with both institutions agreeing to establish a joint technical working group to operationalize the partnership. "In line with our 2022-2026 Strategy for Addressing Fragility and Building Resilience in Africa, this partnership reflects the Bank's strategic emphasis on building alliances that amplify our development impact," said Ozong Agborsangaya-Fiteu, Chief Operations Officer at RDTS. "By combining our institutional strengths with IsDB, we're creating a more powerful platform for advancing resilience where it's needed most." The partnership includes a structured implementation framework scheduled for 2025-2026, in line with the duration of both institutions’ strategies for fragility and resilience. A joint technical working group will operationalize the partnership, ensuring that concrete actions follow this strategic alignment. This strategic collaboration advances the African Development Bank’s approach to staying engaged in fragile contexts, focusing on prevention rather…