Please download: (1) The main results of the diagnostic study on the phenomenon of land monopoly in Cameroon – (2) Steps in carrying out an advocacy campaign - (3) Participants’ Declaration during the national workshop on the dissemination of the results of the study and the mobilization of CSOs for the launching of an advocacy campaign concerning land monopoly in Cameroon.

Yaoundé (Cameroon), 5-7 December 2011, holding at the Jean XXIII Centre in Mvolyé, Yaounde, of the “National Workshop on the dissemination of the results of the study and the mobilization of CSOs for the launching of an advocacy campaign concerning land monopoly in Cameroon”. Under the strategic coordination of INADES Formation, the meeting recorded the active participation of about twenty CSOs and representatives of the communities concerned by the issue of land monopoly in Cameroon.

The overall objective of the workshop was to promote a favourable political environment for decision-making in order to minimize the consequences of land monopoly in Cameroon. Its specific objectives were the following: (1) to ignite a dynamic collective reflection on the issue of land monopoly in order to reach a common position of Cameroon CSOs; (2) to set up a platform concerning the issue of land monopoly in Cameroon and (3) to adopt a mobilizing advocacy theme to involve the future platform in an advocacy campaign against the issue of land monopoly.

The first day of the meeting was marked by three highlights: The launching of the workshop, the presentation of the major results of the diagnostic study on land monopoly in Cameroon and the identification of actions to undertake and intervention strategies The launching of the workshop enabled participants to own the context and the rationale of the workshop. Within the context of the workshop, land monopoly was defined as follows: The use of unfair means to acquire, with the intent of making profit, large amounts of land whose size is disproportionate compared to family farm land, depriving local communities of their natural and cultural resources, as well as of their livelihoods". A series of priority actions were adopted by participants on the first day, namely: (1) the drafting of a group charter; (2) Raising awareness on the issue of land monopoly; (3) Proposing alternatives; (4) Assisting the victims: (5) Documenting the phenomenon; (6) Developing the group (network); (7) Looking for funding (8) Organizing and implementing an advocacy for legal reforms and a better protection of the rights of local communities.

Deliberations on the second day of the workshop were about building the capacities of participating CSOs on the performance of an advocacy action. During practical work that followed, participants formulated the fundamental theme of planned actions as follows: “Against land monopoly: Let’s defend community rights to guarantee sustainable to land for farmers” As far as the form is concerned, a coalition working on a unifying theme was proposed, with a provisional denomination: “The coalition of organizations fighting against land monopoly” This coalition shall be made up of an observatory, a sub-organ responsible for documenting the phenomenon of land monopoly and ensuring strategic monitoring, and three technical commissions: A legal committee (for providing legal assistance to victims), an information, education and communication committee (for planning and implementing mass mobilization and interpersonal communication action) and a mobilization committee (for analysing and setting up strategic alliances).

On the last day of the meeting, a road map of the future advocacy campaign to be implemented was developed and adopted. Participants also focused on the drafting of resolutions and participants position concerning land monopoly. The documents prepared and adopted in plenary session were valuable material made available to the media during the closing press conference for the meeting.

Available for download:

(1) Participants Declaration during the national workshop on the dissemination of results of the study and the mobilization of CSOs for the launching of an advocacy campaign concerning land monopoly in Cameroon

(2) Meeting proceedings: national workshop on the dissemination of results of the study and the mobilization of CSOs for the launching of an advocacy campaign concerning land monopoly in Cameroon