(e.g. market-based conservation instruments such as REDD+) (FAO 2010, 2011a;
Ernst et al. 2013; AfDB 2015; Amin 2016; Mala et al. 2019).
A key aspect of our study was the elucidation of how ‘external’ and ‘local’
knowledge systems are currently used for forest–agriculture. Often the prevailing
management approaches and agricultural innovations are dominated by knowledge
generated outside the region (Sect. 10.3.5), which to some extent gives credence to
the notion that power differentials dictate which knowledge perspectives are to be
used, as external knowledge tends to be viewed more ‘authoritative’ and hence
‘powerful’ (Mala 2009; Diaw et al. 2005; Diaw and Oyono 1998).
Based on the above we argue that in order to effectively promote forestagriculture it is important to create productive linkages and positive reinforcements
between the two knowledge systems. This aligns well with current calls about the
need to link better such different knowledge systems to achieve interlinked sustainability challenges such as food security, livelihoods resilience and biodiversity
conservation. The IPBES conceptual framework (Diaz et al. 2015; Diaw et al.
2018) could offer one feasible option to achieve the effective dialogue between
these different knowledge systems (see also Chap. 9, Vol. 2).
10.4.4 Policy and Practice Recommendations
Our findings indicate that in Centre–South Cameroon there are both strong human–
nature relationships and diverse agricultural practices based on local and external
knowledge systems. Our study is thematically situated at the interface of deforestation and forest degradation on the one hand, and rural livelihoods and poverty
alleviation on the other hand. Thus it is strongly related to multiple SDGs, and
particularly SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG8 (descent work and
economic growth) and SDG15 (life on land). Even though the interface of these
themes is complicated in the forest areas of Central Africa as discussed throughout
this chapter, there is an urgent need to develop solutions to ensure progress for
international commitments such as the SDGs, Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD), Paris Agreement, and Africa Vision 2063. Below we outline some policy
and practice recommendations based on our study.
First, the strong human–nature relationships highlight the need to design policy
instruments that consider and promote the use of forest–agriculture approaches
anchored on Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK). This can be a good first step
to develop innovations that reflect the local contexts, needs and priorities. This can
also go a long way towards improving the science–policy interface when developing
forest–agriculture policies and technology options in the humid forest areas of
Central Africa.
Second, forest–agriculture practices and interventions are embedded in complex
socio-ecological systems that contain multiple interlinked components, and cater for
multiple human needs. When developing policy and technology options it is important to retain this coupled understanding of traditional forest–agriculture landscape
10 Forest–Agriculture in the Centre–South Region of Cameroon: How Does. . .
345
Ernst et al. 2013; AfDB 2015; Amin 2016; Mala et al. 2019).
A key aspect of our study was the elucidation of how ‘external’ and ‘local’
knowledge systems are currently used for forest–agriculture. Often the prevailing
management approaches and agricultural innovations are dominated by knowledge
generated outside the region (Sect. 10.3.5), which to some extent gives credence to
the notion that power differentials dictate which knowledge perspectives are to be
used, as external knowledge tends to be viewed more ‘authoritative’ and hence
‘powerful’ (Mala 2009; Diaw et al. 2005; Diaw and Oyono 1998).
Based on the above we argue that in order to effectively promote forestagriculture it is important to create productive linkages and positive reinforcements
between the two knowledge systems. This aligns well with current calls about the
need to link better such different knowledge systems to achieve interlinked sustainability challenges such as food security, livelihoods resilience and biodiversity
conservation. The IPBES conceptual framework (Diaz et al. 2015; Diaw et al.
2018) could offer one feasible option to achieve the effective dialogue between
these different knowledge systems (see also Chap. 9, Vol. 2).
10.4.4 Policy and Practice Recommendations
Our findings indicate that in Centre–South Cameroon there are both strong human–
nature relationships and diverse agricultural practices based on local and external
knowledge systems. Our study is thematically situated at the interface of deforestation and forest degradation on the one hand, and rural livelihoods and poverty
alleviation on the other hand. Thus it is strongly related to multiple SDGs, and
particularly SDG1 (no poverty), SDG2 (zero hunger), SDG8 (descent work and
economic growth) and SDG15 (life on land). Even though the interface of these
themes is complicated in the forest areas of Central Africa as discussed throughout
this chapter, there is an urgent need to develop solutions to ensure progress for
international commitments such as the SDGs, Convention on Biological Diversity
(CBD), Paris Agreement, and Africa Vision 2063. Below we outline some policy
and practice recommendations based on our study.
First, the strong human–nature relationships highlight the need to design policy
instruments that consider and promote the use of forest–agriculture approaches
anchored on Indigenous and Local Knowledge (ILK). This can be a good first step
to develop innovations that reflect the local contexts, needs and priorities. This can
also go a long way towards improving the science–policy interface when developing
forest–agriculture policies and technology options in the humid forest areas of
Central Africa.
Second, forest–agriculture practices and interventions are embedded in complex
socio-ecological systems that contain multiple interlinked components, and cater for
multiple human needs. When developing policy and technology options it is important to retain this coupled understanding of traditional forest–agriculture landscape
10 Forest–Agriculture in the Centre–South Region of Cameroon: How Does. . .
345