Cameroon advances food systems transformation with Convergence Initiative and Science-Policy-Society Interface launch

Yaoundé, 25-27 February 2025 – Cameroon is bringing food systems and climate action together in a new way. Over three days in Yaoundé, government officials, researchers, civil society, and business leaders gathered to launch two key initiatives – the Hub’s Food Systems and Climate Action Convergence Initiative, supported by the Netherlands, and the Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) under the Hub´s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), backed by Germany. Both initiatives focus on turning research and multistakeholder collaboration into practical solutions for a more sustainable and resilient food system in Cameroon.

Co-organized by the Government of Cameroon, the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, and the UN system in the country, the event gave ministries and stakeholders a space to map out concrete plans for integrating food security, climate action, and scientific innovation into policy.

The Convergence Initiative

The Convergence Initiative workshop, chaired by Cameroon’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, brought together high-level representatives from key ministries: the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife, and the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, and the Secretary General from Ministry of Environment, Nature Protection and Sustainable Development. Their participation reinforced the need for a coordinated, cross-sectoral approach to food systems transformation and climate action.

“Eradicating poverty, achieving sustainable growth, and fully integrating our agriculture into the global economy requires joint determination,” stated Gabriel Mbaïrobe, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Discussions underscored the need for an integrated strategy that addresses food security while mitigating climate change. Secretary-General Paul Tchawa, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Environment, Nature Conservation and Sustainable Development, emphasized that “Agriculture remains the pillar of Cameroon’s development ambitions, but it can only drive sustainable growth if its climate change impact is managed.”

UN agencies reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in achieving food security and resilience. Gianluca Ferrera, on behalf of Cameroon’s UN Resident Coordinator, noted, “The UN system stands ready to support the Government of Cameroon in fighting food insecurity and malnutrition, strengthening resilience, and advancing climate action – while ensuring coordinated responses to humanitarian crises and climate shocks.”

Khaled Eltaweel, Senior Coordinator of the UN Food Systems Coordination Hub, highlighted the role of the Convergence Initiative in strengthening governance and coordination, aligning policies through Convergence Action Plans, and advancing cross-sectoral implementation. These efforts, he noted, are essential for ensuring that food systems transformation is both sustainable and resilient. “Cameroon’s food systems are vital to its economy, yet climate change poses significant risks. Strengthening adaptation strategies will be key to sustaining livelihoods and national development.”

Through the workshop, participants discussed and agreed on a shared vision for converging food systems and climate action to achieve national sustainable development outcomes while delivering on international commitments under the Paris Agreement. This vision, enshrined in the Convergence Action Blueprint, will be implemented through a set of specific objectives, including enhancing policy coherence, strengthening multi-stakeholder coordination, and unlocking finance and investments. A preparatory meeting was hosted in Douala, Cameroon, on 20 – 21 February to lay the groundwork for the workshop. As a result of the discussion, the nutrition and biodiversity agendas are in the convergence process.

As the workshop concluded, Grace Mbong, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and National Convenor, reinforced the value of collaboration. “Many hands can move a mountain,” she said, urging all stakeholders to continue working together toward food systems transformation and climate resilience.

Bridging science, policy, and society

Building on the Hub´s Youth Leadership Programme (YLP), the Science-Policy-Society Interface (SPSI) workshop, held on the final day, introduced a new framework for enhancing inclusiveness in scientific research, policy development, and community engagement into Cameroon’s food systems agenda.

“By placing science at the heart of its food systems strategy, Cameroon is not only improving agricultural productivity but also ensuring that food systems remain the solution, not the problem,” said Khaled Eltaweel, outlining how the SPSI will enhance knowledge-sharing and climate-smart agriculture.

Discussions in the SPSI workshop focused on the role of science and traditional knowledge in identifying workable, context-specific solutions to deliver across multiple agendas. This is reflected in the Convergence Action Blueprint, which envisions strengthened coordination between research institutions, youth representatives, and decision-makers to promote evidence-based policy processes.

Jose Luis Vivero from the World Food Programme (WFP) highlighted the role of youth in shaping inclusive food policies. He further emphasized that the YLP alumna in the country will support the National Convenor in expanding engagement with civil society organizations (CSOs), youth, and local communities to ensure that policies reflect diverse perspectives and real-world needs.

The initiative will thus empower youth as key drivers of food systems transformation. Cameroon´s National Convenor Grace Mbong encouraged young leaders to stay engaged, stating, “SPSIs can strengthen key elements of Cameroon’s national pathway, leveraging science, innovation & youth engagement for lasting change.”

FAO reaffirmed its role in supporting national efforts. “FAO will continue supporting government efforts to strengthen institutional coordination for food systems transformation,” said Fidèle Kengni, Agricultural Policies Specialist at FAO.

As the alumna of the YLP, Rita Niabeh  highlighted the programme as a model for driving change, adding, “Energy, creativity, and passion pave the way for new solutions.” Meanwhile, Hamed Njikam, Youth Delegate of the World Food Forum, introduced the steps that are being taken to introduce the National Youth Chapter, an opportunity to engage young people in the convergence of food systems and climate action in Cameroon.

During the workshop, Mr Tobie Ondoa Manga, Inspector General at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, presented a proposal to set up three platforms for SPSI along three priority areas for convergence: the promotion of agroecological practices, the sustainable intensification of rice production, addressing the negative impacts of agriculture on water resources (including eutrophication). The event was tailored to give participants a meaningful opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback for its finalization. 

Looking ahead

The launch of the Convergence Initiative and SPSI marks a key step in strengthening Cameroon’s food systems and climate resilience. These initiatives will support the country’s National Development Strategy and global commitments under the SDGs and Paris Agreement, with the Convergence Action Blueprint guiding policy alignment and SPSI bridging research, policy, and practice.

Cameroon was the first country to participate in both the Convergence Initiative and the SPSI. The synergy between the two initiatives helped elevate the role of science, research, and traditional knowledge in fostering the convergence between food systems and climate action.

Through institutional coordination and inclusive, knowledge-driven and participation from multiple stakeholders, Cameroon will showcase its progress at UNFSS+4 and COP30 in Brazil in 2025, sharing lessons with global partners. Moving forward, sustained collaboration between the government, UN agencies, and international partners will be essential to turning these strategies into lasting impact.