The role of civil society organizations in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development in Bamenda I Municipality

Abstract

The study examines the role of Civil Society Organizations in promoting climate resilience and sustainable development in Bamenda I Municipality. A mixed method, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies, was used. Primary and secondary sources of data collection were used. Semi-structured questionnaires, an in-depth interview guide and observation were used to collect primary data from 150 respondents, selected by simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results on major climate variability challenges were found to be unpredictable rainfall (54, 36%), water scarcity (50, 33.3%), and soil erosion (32, 21.3%). Findings on their role in climate resilience and adaptability indicate that 60 (40%) of the respondents confirm their efforts in assisting the community in adopting climate-smart agricultural practices, while 90 (60%) of the respondents agreed that they have raised knowledge of climate change awareness in the Municipality. Results on their challenges revealed several obstacles, including inadequate finance (120, or 80%), political unpredictability (105, or 70%), and limited access to physical resources (120, or 80%). The stability of their operational environment, access to physical resources, and financial sufficiency all have a significant impact on Civil Society Organisations' capacity to foster sustainable development and build climate resilience.