Achieving Climate Governance in Cameroon: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

Climate change poses risks including economic output losses, heightened poverty, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability of communities, which are compounded by institutional weaknesses and policy gaps. The research problem centers on Cameroon’s fragmented and insufficient climate governance framework, characterized by weak legal regulations, poor coordination among institutions, inadequate integration of climate concerns into public financial management, and limited resources for climate action. The main objective is to identify key challenges obstructing effective climate governance while exploring prospects and strategies for improvement. The study employs a qualitative approach, analyzing climate policies, legal frameworks, and stakeholder engagements to assess governance dynamics. Major findings reveal institutional capacity deficits, lack of comprehensive regulatory frameworks, fragmented policy implementation, limited climate finance, and coordination challenges across levels of government. The study concludes that despite notable progress in policy development and international commitments, Cameroon’s climate governance remains hindered by systemic barriers. It recommends strengthening institutional capacities, enacting binding climate laws, enhancing coordination mechanisms, mainstreaming climate change into public finance and development planning, and mobilizing diversified climate finance to build resilience and promote sustainable development in the face of climate change.