Interactive regional policy development: Cooperation in Northern Cameroon

Abstract

Solutions for today's problems in an increasingly complex world require increased collaboration between different organisations. This is especially the case in regional planning at the supra-project level, involving different partners like governmental and non-governmental organisations, researchers, training and funding agencies, clerical organisations, etcetera. The present article gives an overview of an experience in regional planning, as implemented during the last two years in Northern Cameroon, with special attention to the methodology of regional participative analysis and policy assessment. After an introduction to the country, the methodology is presented as well as results. The methodology was organised in such a way that interaction with representative organisations was structured, in order to generate information which addressed general concerns. During the regional analysis an assessment of opinions and options was made, resulting in the identification of key-issues and goal setting to be included in a regional policy. Regular workshops and feedback meetings facilitated a regional dialogue on development issues. This resulted in complementary efforts whereby both larger, centrally planned projects and local self-development activities conformed to a regional strategy and were mutually supportive. In addition, the regional position compared to the (inter-)national level was included in policy assessment, giving an impetus for actors at the regional level to become involved. The aforementioned methodology resulted in the creation of an effective regional network in Northern Cameroon, which is committed to a regional policy. The process was strengthened by the present regionalisation policy of the government as well as the urgency felt at regional level to establish more effective collaboration. Environmental problems, the most important issue for this region, were elaborated upon by the network, resulting in a harmonisation of intervention methods, clearer linkage mechanisms between funding, research and development agencies, an identification of legislative support for sustainable development, and the assessment of more effective participation, amongst others. However, it is still to be seen if the new network structures can be maintained in the present political scene of Cameroon.