Indigenous Mbororo women in climate change adaptation: Insights from the North West Region, CAMEROON

Climate variability and change present some of the most pressing challenges of our time, demanding urgent global action for both adaptation and mitigation. Yet, the impacts of climate change are not uniformly felt; they are deeply influenced by gender and socio-economic inequalities. Men and women experience the effects of climate change differently due to disparities in resource access and decision-making power. These inequalities often exacerbate women’s vulnerability, making it harder for them to adapt and mitigate climate impacts effectively. 

In regions like Sub-Saharan Africa, these gendered impacts are stark. Women, who contribute significantly to agriculture and domestic labor, frequently face barriers to land ownership and control. Indigenous women, in particular, experience compounded discrimination due to their gender, ethnicity, and economic status. They are often at the frontline of climate adaptation, yet their roles and challenges are not always recognized or supported. 

Cameroon, with its diverse ecological zones and significant reliance on agriculture, offers a poignant example. Women are crucial in farming, but they struggle with insecure land tenure and the challenges of adapting to changing weather patterns. The North West region, is home to indigenous pastoralists, including the Mbororo, many of whom are women and children. These communities face additional layers of marginalization and struggle with the impacts of climate variability. 

Despite these challenges, Mbororo women possess valuable traditional knowledge that can play a vital role in climate adaptation. However, there remains a gap in understanding and integrating this knowledge into climate policies. This work aims to highlight the resilience and contributions of indigenous Mbororo women, emphasizing their traditional knowledge as a crucial element in navigating climate-related challenges and fostering sustainable livelihoods. 

Challenges and solution faced by Mbororo Women 

The Indigenous Mbororo pastoralists, known for their rich traditions and adherence to ancient customs, face significant vulnerabilities due to climate variability and change. Central to their way of life is cattle herding, a practice deeply embedded in their culture and considered the primary means of livelihood. This focus on cattle, however, has left them with limited purchasing power and restricted their ability to diversify investments. Despite having substantial wealth in cattle, the Mbororo community has traditionally shunned alternative economic activities, contributing to their current vulnerabilities. 

Historically, the Mbororo community viewed education for girls and investments outside of cattle rearing as taboo. This cultural mindset has hindered the community’s economic flexibility and adaptive capacity. The reliance on traditional practices has led to insufficient investment in modern pastoral systems, such as animal healthcare infrastructure or social amenities. Consequently, the Mbororo people face compounded challenges: an increasing population, diminishing agro-pastoral resources, and a reduction in the number of cattle, which further amplifies their vulnerability to climate change. 

The shift from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle has introduced new dynamics into the livestock sector. In the North West region of Cameroon, where many Mbororo live, traditional agro-pastoral practices are highly dependent on nature. Pasturelands and water sources are vital resources that are increasingly affected by climate fluctuations. Interviews with Mbororo pastoralists reveal a troubling trend: pasture degradation has become a significant issue. As climate conditions worsen, dry spells and intense sunshine have led to severe pasture degradation. This issue is compounded by the shrinking of water sources, causing competition between pastoralists, farmers, and households, which has sometimes resulted in conflicts. 

Mbororo women have traditionally played a crucial role as educators and custodians of indigenous knowledge, particularly related to livestock management and environmental practices. They often manage households and livestock while men focus on herding. Despite their invaluable knowledge and skills, women’s contributions have historically been underappreciated. During times of climatic extremes, such as droughts, women are left behind to manage resources while men search for pastures in lower lands. This situation has led women to develop localized coping strategies tailored to their specific circumstances. 

Recently, NGOs and other organizations have recognized the role of Mbororo women and provided them with training and resources to help them adapt to climate change. Programs have focused on empowering women through education and economic development, such as promoting food crop cultivation around grazing lands. Women have also been encouraged to take part in small-scale businesses, including petty trading and small-scale farming. These initiatives have helped families diversify their income sources, reducing their reliance on traditional pastoralism and improving their resilience to climate-related stresses. 

One notable success is the introduction of improved pasture species and fodder collection techniques, which have been supported by various organizations. These innovations have reduced the frequency of transhumance, minimized farmer-herder conflicts, and improved livestock health. Improved grazing lands with higher carrying capacities have provided critical support during periods of drought, offering a stable food source for animals and reducing the need for extensive movement. 

The shift towards ranching and dairy farming represents another adaptation strategy. Women have increasingly embraced these modern methods, which are less dependent on natural pastures and more sustainable in the face of climate change. Ranching, which involves managing livestock on smaller, controlled areas, and dairy farming have become important for many Mbororo families. Women are heavily involved in these activities, managing the care of animals and participating in milk production, which serves as both a dietary staple and a source of income. 

Despite these positive developments, Mbororo women face significant constraints in implementing adaptation strategies. Gender discrimination, limited access to land, low educational levels, and inadequate access to climate information and credit facilities all contribute to their vulnerability. Traditional values and customs, such as the cultural code known as “Polaako,” have also hindered women’s ability to participate in decision-making processes and fully engage in adaptation efforts.  

The legal framework in Cameroon theoretically supports equitable access to resources and recognizes the rights of indigenous peoples. However, in practice, indigenous Mbororo women often remain unaware of their rights and face systemic barriers to accessing support and opportunities. This disconnect between legal provisions and actual practice exacerbates their challenges and limits their ability to contribute to and benefit from climate adaptation initiatives. 

Conclusion 

While the Mbororo pastoralists face significant challenges due to climate variability and change, there are promising signs of resilience and adaptation. Women are emerging as key actors in managing these challenges and fostering community adaptation. By leveraging their traditional knowledge and engaging with new opportunities for economic diversification, the Mbororo community is taking important steps towards improving their resilience to climate change. However, overcoming entrenched cultural norms and enhancing access to resources and education remain critical for fully empowering Mbororo women and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for the entire community. 

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