Cameroon | Planting the Seeds of Peace

In Logone Birni, Cameroon, the land has always sustained life—but in recent decades, it has also become a source of conflict. As weather patterns shift, rain becomes unpredictable, and floods and droughts grow more common, the natural resources that people rely on—land, water, grazing areas—have grown scarcer. This has led to rising tensions between farmers and herders, and more violence within families, especially as the struggle to grow food and earn income puts extra pressure on households.

In response, the community came together to form a peace committee, supported by CLWR’s Nature Based Solutions project, implemented through Lutheran World Federation (LWF). The committee builds on existing local groups and emphasizes the importance of including everyone—especially women and youth—in the work of restoring peace​​.

Madame Kirna, president of the women’s group within the committee, helps lead these efforts. Under her guidance, women now play an active role in resolving disputes, preventing violence, and building trust between neighbours. They’ve received training on leadership and important awareness topics like positive masculinity, which encourages respect, support, and shared responsibilities at home and in the community.

A youth group within the committee is also working to address issues facing the next generation. Together, these groups are tackling conflicts not only between farmers and herders, but also between different ethnic groups, helping people move beyond fear and blame toward understanding and cooperation.

The peace committee doesn’t just solve problems—it brings people together. One of its most powerful efforts has been organizing community meals, where families share dishes from their own traditions and sit side by side to eat. These meals are simple, but they’re helping to rebuild something deeper: a sense of belonging.

In a place where both the climate and community have been under strain, the trust these neighbours are rebuilding is more than strong—it’s life-giving. And like a seed planted in good soil, peace here is starting to take root.

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The nature-based solutions project is funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, and is implemented by CLWR in partnership with LWF Chad and LWF Cameroon.