NELGA Expands Network in Central Africa

In 2019, NELGA officially launched its Central Africa node in Cameroon with a regional hub at the University of Yaoundé I. The node partnered with institutions across the region, recording successes, including developing an adopted road map to address conflict challenges between herders and farmers in Mbororo, Cameroon and making policy recommendations into the Revised Rural Sectarian Development Strategy and the National Agricultural Investment Plan (SDSR/PNIA) in Cameroon. In 2021, it became necessary to expand the node’s reach to other francophone academic and research institutions, especially in Chad, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

In July 2021, the NELGA team were in DRC to meet with various universities rectors, vice-rectors, deans, teachers, and students in fulfilling the above mandate. The team visited relevant land-focused departments at the University of Lubumbashi and the University of Likasi, making a compelling case to join the NELGA network.

The Universities stated their willingness to be part of the network. They identified focal persons for further engagement in bringing the institution into the network. Students working on land issues were ecstatic about the opportunities provided by NELGA, including the DAAD scholarship and online seminars. They looked forward to being part of upcoming meetings and events.

Click here to read more about this advocacy visit.