Agropastoralists of Maroua: Climate & Socio-Economic Challenges

Adaptation Strategies and Women’s Role

Authors

  • Rose MEDIEBOU CHINDJI Université de Yaoundé I/ Faculté des Arts, Lettres et Sciences Humaines/ Département de Géographie
  • Michèle NDONDOCK SAMBA Université Yaoundé I

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48346/IMIST.PRSM/ajlp-gs.v8i1.53789

Keywords:

Agro-pastoral, Climate adaptation, Rural women, Socio-economic constraints, Food security.

Abstract

Contexte and background:

Agro-pastoral activities (agriculture and livestock farming) are essential to the economic and social development of Maroua, a city located in the Far North region of Cameroon. These activities play a critical role in food security and economic stability, especially during the dry season. However, agro-pastoralists, particularly women, face various challenges, such as climatic constraints and socio-economic obstacles, which limit their access to resources and financing.

Goal and objectives:

This article explores the adaptation strategies employed by agro-pastoralists to overcome these challenges and also examines the social representations of women in this sector.

Methodology:

The study is based on a qualitative survey conducted with 61 individuals, including agro-pastoralists, political leaders, religious figures, and representatives from financial institutions.

The Results:

The findings reveal that agro-pastoralists adopt strategies such as irrigation, off-season cultivation, and innovative storage techniques. However, women face additional barriers, including social marginalization and limited access to funding, which diminishes their economic contribution and social status. The article suggests several solutions, such as increasing subsidies, improving access to financing, and providing training programs tailored to women's needs. Furthermore, it advocates for strengthening rural infrastructure and implementing specific training programs to improve the productivity and autonomy of women agro-pastoralists.

Author Biographies

Rose MEDIEBOU CHINDJI, Université de Yaoundé I/ Faculté des Arts, Lettres et Sciences Humaines/ Département de Géographie

chargé de cours au Département de Géographie

Michèle NDONDOCK SAMBA , Université Yaoundé I

Master Genre et développement, Département de Sociologie, Université de Yaoundé I, Cameroun

References

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2011). The Role of Women in Agriculture. Rome : FAO.

Mbaye, A., et al. (2017). Le développement de l’agriculture et de l’élevage dans la région de l’Extrême-Nord du Cameroun. Yaoundé : Presses Universitaires du Cameroun.

Michaud, M., et al. (2018). L'inclusion des femmes dans le secteur agropastoral en Afrique de l'Ouest. Paris : Editions Karthala.

NDONDOCK SAMBA M. C. (2024), « Genre et entrepreneuriat agropastoral dans la ville de Maroua », Mémoire de master professionnel Genre et développement Département de sociologie Genre et développement. 119 pages

Ngossak, A. (2020). Les stratégies d’adaptation des femmes face aux changements climatiques dans le secteur agropastoral. Douala : Editions L’Harmattan.

Sultan, B., Ahmed, A., & Diallo, M. (2015). L'impact des changements climatiques sur la production agricole en Afrique de l'Ouest : le cas du Mali. Revue de Géographie Tropicale.

Tchoukoua, B. (2015). Femmes et développement rural au Cameroun. Yaoundé : Editions Universitaires.

UN Women. (2020). Gender and Rural Development: A Framework for Empowerment. New York : UN Women.

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). (2015). Gender and Climate Change: The Impact on Rural Women. New York : UNDP.

Vásquez-Parra, J., Gómez-Limón, J. A., & Ruiz-Flórez, M. (2015). Entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable development in the agri-food sector: The moderating role of environmental concern. Journal of Business Ethics.

FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). (2011). The Role of Women in Agriculture. Rome : FAO.

Mbaye, A., et al. (2017). Le développement de l’agriculture et de l’élevage dans la région de l’Extrême-Nord du Cameroun. Yaoundé : Presses Universitaires du Cameroun.

Michaud, M., et al. (2018). L'inclusion des femmes dans le secteur agropastoral en Afrique de l'Ouest. Paris : Editions Karthala.

NDONDOCK SAMBA M. C. (2024), « Genre et entrepreneuriat agropastoral dans la ville de Maroua », Mémoire de master professionnel Genre et développement Département de sociologie Genre et développement. 119 pages

Ngossak, A. (2020). Les stratégies d’adaptation des femmes face aux changements climatiques dans le secteur agropastoral. Douala : Editions L’Harmattan.

Sultan, B., Ahmed, A., & Diallo, M. (2015). L'impact des changements climatiques sur la production agricole en Afrique de l'Ouest : le cas du Mali. Revue de Géographie Tropicale.

Tchoukoua, B. (2015). Femmes et développement rural au Cameroun. Yaoundé : Editions Universitaires.

UN Women. (2020). Gender and Rural Development: A Framework for Empowerment. New York : UN Women.

UNDP (United Nations Development Programme). (2015). Gender and Climate Change: The Impact on Rural Women. New York : UNDP.

Vásquez-Parra, J., Gómez-Limón, J. A., & Ruiz-Flórez, M. (2015). Entrepreneurial orientation and sustainable development in the agri-food sector: The moderating role of environmental concern. Journal of Business Ethics.

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Published

31-01-2025 — Updated on 31-01-2025

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How to Cite

CHINDJI, R. M., & NDONDOCK SAMBA , M. (2025). Agropastoralists of Maroua: Climate & Socio-Economic Challenges: Adaptation Strategies and Women’s Role. African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences, 8(1), 198–213. https://doi.org/10.48346/IMIST.PRSM/ajlp-gs.v8i1.53789

Issue

Section

Special Section: women and land governance

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