Publication

02.10.2015

Vulnerability, Forest-Related Sectors and Climate Change Adaptation: The Case of Cameroon

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This paper explores the likely impacts of climate-induced changes on the provisioning of forest ecosystem goods and services, and its effect on the economic and social well-being of society, including the national economy and the livelihoods of forest-dependent people. The analysis focuses on four identified vulnerable sectors—food (NTFPs), energy (fuel wood), health (medicinal plants) and water (freshwater) through a multi-stakeholder dialogue at national and regional levels. A vulnerability assessment framework is used by combining the elements of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity to conceptualize vulnerability in these sectors. The identified sectors in relation to the forest ecosystem are discussed for providing an understanding of the sector’s potential adaptive capacities for policy intervention. The analysis presents the possible implications of the vulnerability of these sectors on local and national adaptation strategies. Local and national adaptive capacities to respond to climate impacts in the forest sectors includes reducing poverty, enhancing food security, water availability, combating land degradation and reducing loss of biological diversity.