Mangrove Protection through Cleaner Fish Smoking in Cameroon

Shortening Processing Time and Increasing Quality of Processed Fish

Income & Assets

Project Developer:

Percentage of Change for Women:

125%

Cameroon

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The Story: Women Restoring Cameroon’s Mangroves

In the coastal districts of Douala and Manoka, Cameroon, a pioneering initiative is restoring degraded mangrove ecosystems while empowering women to lead climate action. For years, women fish smokers relied on mangrove wood as their primary fuel source, driving deforestation and exposing themselves to health risks from smoke inhalation. Led by the African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests (REFACOF), this project integrates environmental restoration with women’s economic empowerment — proving that ecological recovery and gender equity can thrive together.

By introducing solar-powered fish drying technologies and promoting women’s leadership in forest governance, the initiative is reducing mangrove degradation, improving livelihoods, and reshaping community perceptions of women’s roles in natural resource management.

Quick Facts

Goal:‍

Reduce mangrove degradation through improved fish-smoking technologies and women-led forest restoration to build climate resilience and sustainable livelihoods.

Location:‍

Manoka Island and Douala, Cameroon (Ndogpassi Bobongo & Youpwè)

Metrics:

2,500 women engaged in tree planting and livelihood activities‍
15 women in direct honey production business
Survival rate of mangrove saplings: 56% (monitoring ongoing; goal 80%)

Standards & Certification:

Income & Assets, Leadership, Time Savings, Knowledge & Education
Implementing Partner: REFACOF (The African Women’s Network for Community Management of Forests)

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What We Did

Introduced cleaner technology:
Installed solar-powered fish dryers to replace traditional smokehouses, reducing the use of mangrove wood and improving air quality and women’s health.

Restored mangrove ecosystems:
Supported large-scale mangrove restoration through community planting and agroforestry activities that enhance local biodiversity and shoreline protection.

Built women’s leadership:
Trained women in negotiation, community forest management, and advocacy to influence gender equity in land tenure and REDD+ processes.

Expanded livelihoods:
Supported income-generating ventures like fish processing and marketing, strengthening women’s financial independence and market access.

Strengthened technical capacity:
Provided training on sustainable resource management, agroforestry, and the use of clean technologies to ensure long-term project sustainability.

Results & Impact

60 women directly trained, with another 80 benefiting through improved livelihoods and knowledge transfer.

Significant reduction in mangrove wood use due to adoption of solar dryers and improved stoves.

Improved health and time savings among women fish processors through reduced smoke exposure and more efficient drying times.

Women recognized as leaders in community forest management and restoration, shifting norms around gender and environmental stewardship.

Dual climate benefit: Mitigation through reduced deforestation and adaptation through restored mangrove ecosystems that protect coastal communities.