A Sustainable Land Legacy for Rural Communities: ProPFR Wraps Up Three Years of Implementation in Cameroon
In an atmosphere that was both solemn and cheerful, the closing workshop for the German cooperation project “Promotion of Responsible Land Policy (ProPFR) in Cameroon,” implemented by GIZ, was held on March 18, 2026, in Yaoundé. For more than three years, this project has contributed to a profound transformation of land governance in Cameroon’s Centre region.
Chaired by the Minister of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure (MINDCAF) and the Head of German Cooperation, representing the German Embassy, the workshop brought together more than 90 participants, including administrative authorities, local governments, civil society organizations, traditional rulers, technical partners, and beneficiaries. This gathering marked much more than just the end of a project: it celebrated lasting change for the benefit of rural communities.
Among the major achievements of ProPFR,
- More than 1,000 households have had their land rights and usage formally documented and recognized by administrative and traditional authorities, including more than 300 in favor of women and 100 benefiting marginalized populations.
- Strengthening the institutional framework through the implementation of five improved procedures, two of which have already been institutionalized. These innovative tools include the Certificate of Recognition of Customary Land Rights (ARDFC), the Certificate of Peaceful Land Use (AJPTER), and the Certificate of Possession of Administratively Recognized Customary Land Rights
- Conflict prevention and management by establishing local mechanisms for mediation and dispute resolution in 13 villages, drawing on traditional authorities and councils of Notables.
- The development and implementation of the Inclusive Peace Agent (IPA) approach; an innovative approach to gender equality in the management of land conflicts, including agro-pastoral disputes has enabled the training of more than 300 women as mediators.
- 38 producer organizations and private investors received support to adopt practices aligned with international guidelines on responsible investment
Beyond these results, the workshop highlighted on-the-ground experiences through testimonials from beneficiaries and discussions among partners, illustrating the concrete changes brought about by the project these past three years. At the end of the workshop, participants visited the exhibition stands, a key highlight of the event that allowed them to see firsthand the many tools developed and the results achieved by ProPFR. Through visual aids, technical documents, and knowledge products, the project showcased the fruits of its dedicated effort.
Although the project is due to end in May 2026, the initiatives it has sparked are paving the way for scaling up the solutions developed to benefit rural communities, thanks to the much-needed future commitment from other German and international cooperation projects.