# Integrated Approaches to Environmental Communication in Africa: The Case of Cameroon

Alexis Dzokom

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Alexis Dzokom. Integrated Approaches to Environmental Communication in Africa: The Case of Cameroon. Sahel Nature Consulting Revue, In press, 05 (08), pp.1-16. hal-05087070

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Sahel Nature Consulting Revue

ISSN: 1401-0006

ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENT

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Protect Nature and People

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For Vulnerable Communities

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And Sustainable Energy, Agriculture and
Ecology

Communication in Africa: The Case of
Cameroon

Scientific-Article May 2022, Volume 05, Issue 08

Abstract

The ongoing environmental degradation in Africa—exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, desertification, and poor natural resource management—highlights the strategic importance of environmental communication as a tool for education, awareness-raising, and community mobilization. This article explores the integrated approaches to environmental communication implemented in Cameroon, with a focus on how these strategies intersect with cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data through interviews, field observations, literature review, and content analysis of environmental campaigns. The findings reveal that environmental campaigns in Cameroon rely on a variety of communication tools: community radio (73% of respondents), posters and billboards in markets and schools (58%), social media platforms (47%), educational plays and skits (41%), and educational talks in villages (36%). Proximity-based channels, particularly community radio (8.2 ± 0.9) and social media (7.8 ± 1.5), are the most widely used. Educational mobile applications (3.9 ± 1.6) remain underutilized, indicating technological, economic, and linguistic barriers. In rural areas, village meetings (4.6 ± 0.5), community work initiatives (4.2 ± 0.6), and reforestation campaigns (4.1 ± 0.6) received the highest scores. The article concludes with recommendations to strengthen environmental communication frameworks in Cameroon and across Africa
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Sahel Nature Consulting Revue (ISSN : 1401-0006 March 2025)

Dr. Eng. Dzokom Alexis, M.E.,
M.Rl., Ph.D.,
Chief Editor

Mrs. Yakadam Charlotte B., M.Sc
(Maroua)

Managing Editor & Editorial Board

1. Dr. Ibrahim Koskossi Koras,
M.Sc, Ph.D., (U.K),
University of Bahrain,
Kingdom of Bahrain,

2. Dr. Wassou Belmind, Ph.D.
(Cambridge),
University of Malaya,
Malaysia.

3. Prof. Darman D.R.,
National Advanced School of
Engeneering,

University of Maroua (UMa),

4. Prof.Gaham Ibraha Bakari,
Ethiopian Civil Service University,
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

5. Dr. Kodji Ezechiel,
Humanitarian services,
Maroua,
Cameroon.

Peer Reviewed & Indexed
Sahel Nature Consulting Revue
April 2025, Volume 04, Issue 11

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# Integrated Approaches to Environmental Communication in Africa: The Case of Cameroon

Alexis DZOKOM¹, ²,

¹Sahel Nature Consulting

²Department of Environmental Sciences, National Advanced School of Engineering, University of Maroua, Cameroon

Corresponding author: dzokomalexis@gmail.com

## Abstract

The ongoing environmental degradation in Africa, exacerbated by climate change, deforestation, desertification, and poor natural resource management, highlights the strategic importance of environmental communication as a tool for education, awareness-raising, and community mobilization. This article explores the integrated approaches to environmental communication implemented in Cameroon, with a focus on how these strategies intersect with cultural, social, economic, and political dimensions. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative and quantitative data through interviews, field observations, literature review, and content analysis of environmental campaigns. The findings reveal that environmental campaigns in Cameroon rely on a variety of communication tools: community radio (73% of respondents), posters and billboards in markets and schools (58%), social media platforms (47%), educational plays and skits (41%), and educational talks in villages (36%). Proximity-based channels, particularly community radio (8.2 ± 0.9) and social media (7.8 ± 1.5), are the most widely used. Educational mobile applications (3.9 ± 1.6) remain underutilized, indicating technological, economic, and linguistic barriers. In rural areas, village meetings (4.6 ± 0.5), community work initiatives (4.2 ± 0.6), and reforestation campaigns (4.1 ± 0.6) received the highest scores. The article concludes with recommendations to strengthen environmental communication frameworks in Cameroon and across Africa.

**Keywords:** Environmental communication, Integrated approach, Awareness-raising, Environmental governance, Sustainable development, Community participation, Cameroon.

## Introduction

Environmental communication represents a strategic lever essential for raising awareness, educating the public, mobilizing communities, and fostering participation in addressing ecological challenges. In Africa—and particularly in Cameroon— environmental issues such as deforestation, biodiversity loss, climate change, waste management, and desertification call for holistic responses that combine educational, media-based, community-driven, and policy-oriented actions. Within this context, integrated approaches to environmental

communication have emerged as a relevant and effective response, as they coordinate multiple levels of intervention, actors, and communication tools to enhance impact (Servaes, 2008; Nguinguiri, 1999).

Unlike technocratic and unidirectional models, integrated approaches are grounded in participatory, intercultural, cross-sectoral, and interdisciplinary communication. They actively engage local communities, the media, NGOs, public institutions, researchers, and international donors (Dzokom, 2025a, b, c; Dzokom et
al., 2024a, b, c, d, e; Dzokom & Kodji, 2025; Dzokom, 2023; Dzokom, 2024; Fouda, 2023). These approaches align with the principles of sustainable development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 13 of the United Nations, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change while taking into account the socio-cultural specificities of African contexts (UNESCO, 2017).

In Cameroon, pilot initiatives such as waste management awareness campaigns in Yaoundé, community radio programs in the Far North addressing desertification, and reforestation projects linked to environmental education in rural areas exemplify the gradual implementation of such integrated strategies (Dzokom, 2021; Toupet, 2015). However, the effective implementation of these strategies is often hindered by structural barriers, including inadequate training of local stakeholders, insufficient financial resources, and weak inter-institutional coordination (Munongo & Ghislaine, 2024; Hugues & Mbouombouo, 2016).

This study aims to analyze integrated approaches to environmental communication in Cameroon through a critical review of current practices, identification of the strengths and limitations of existing mechanisms, and the formulation of contextually adapted recommendations for the Cameroonian socio-ecological landscape.

**Materials and Methods**

This study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative tools to analyze the dynamics, practices, and impacts of integrated approaches to environmental communication in Cameroon. This methodological triangulation enables a descriptive, analytical, and critical understanding of the strategies

implemented at various levels (Eriksen, 2005; Nguinguiri, 1999).

**1. Study Area**

The research was conducted in three key regions representative of Cameroon's ecological and sociocultural diversity:

* **Centre (Yaoundé and surrounding areas):** an urban zone facing high anthropogenic pressure on natural resources;

* **Far North (Maroua and surrounding areas):** a Sahelian region challenged by desertification and resource scarcity;

* **West (Bafoussam):** an agricultural region marked by several reforestation initiatives and participatory waste management practices.

These regions were selected due to the presence of community-based, media-driven, and institutional initiatives in environmental communication (Momo, 2011; Munongo & Ghislaine, 2024; Hugues & Mbouombouo, 2016).

**2. Sampling**

A purposive and stratified sampling strategy was employed, involving three main categories of stakeholders:

* **Institutional actors** (ministries, municipalities, environmental projects);

* **Media practitioners** (community radio stations, environmental journalists, digital platforms);

* **Local communities and environmental NGOs** (women's groups, youth, farmers, village resource management committees).

In total, 60 semi-structured interviews were conducted, distributed as follows: 20 in Yaoundé, 20 in Maroua, and 20 in Bafoussam. In addition, 3 focus group
discussions were organized in each region,
each comprising 8 to 10 participants.

**3. Data Collection Tools**

*   **Semi-structured interviews:** These provided insights into perceptions, practices, and challenges encountered by various actors in implementing integrated environmental communication strategies (Patton, 2002).

*   **Focus groups:** These captured community perspectives, particularly regarding the reception of environmental messages, the cultural adaptation of communication tools, and the perceived effectiveness of campaigns.

*   **Participant observation:** Conducted during local awareness campaigns on waste management and reforestation. This method allowed for the evaluation of community mobilization and the interactivity of tools used (Fouda, 2023).

*   **Documentary analysis:** Included national policies on environmental communication, sustainable development programs, NGO reports, community radio broadcasts, and relevant scientific publications.

**4. Data Processing and Analysis**

Qualitative data were processed through thematic analysis using NVivo software, allowing the identification of recurrent categories such as: "community participation," "media support," "structural barriers," and "perceived effectiveness." Quantitative data from questionnaires and campaign content analysis were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, cross-tabulations, histograms) with SPSS version 25.0.

The triangulated analysis enabled the identification of synergies, limitations, and areas for improvement in the implementation of integrated approaches within the Cameroonian context (Bessette, 2004; Toupet, 2015).

**Results and Discussion**

**1. Diversity of Communication Channels Utilized**

**1.1. Channel Hierarchy**
The data indicate that proximity-based channels, particularly community radio (8.2 ± 0.9) and social media (7.8 ± 1.5), are the most frequently used. This reflects a hybrid communication strategy that combines tradition and modernity, where local anchoring (e.g., radio, religious sermons) coexists with digital connectivity.

**1.2. Standard Deviation as an Indicator of Heterogeneity**
The relatively high standard deviations observed for social media (1.5) and mobile applications (1.6) reveal disparities in access and usage based on geographic location, age groups, and levels of digital literacy. This underscores the need for a differentiated communication approach.

**1.3. Preference for Participatory Approaches**

Participatory workshops (7.1 ± 0.8) and popular theatre (6.3 ± 1.4) continue to be perceived as highly effective. These tools foster local ownership of messages, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings.

The diversity of communication channels employed is summarized in the following table:
<table><caption>**Table 1.** Mean Scores and Standard Deviations for the Use of Environmental Communication Channels in Cameroon</caption><thead><tr><td>Communication Channel</td><td>Mean Usage Score (out of 10)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Community radio</td><td>8.2 ± 0.9</td></tr><tr><td>Television</td><td>6.7 ± 1.2</td></tr><tr><td>Social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, etc.)</td><td>7.8 ± 1.5</td></tr><tr><td>Posters / Comic strips</td><td>5.5 ± 1.0</td></tr><tr><td>Participatory workshops / seminars</td><td>7.1 ± 0.8</td></tr><tr><td>Popular / Forum theatre</td><td>6.3 ± 1.4</td></tr><tr><td>Guided tours / Demonstrations</td><td>4.6 ± 1.1</td></tr><tr><td>Awareness-raising SMS</td><td>5.8 ± 1.3</td></tr><tr><td>Religious sermons / Community speeches</td><td>6.9 ± 1.0</td></tr><tr><td>Educational mobile applications</td><td>3.9 ± 1.6</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 1.4. Moderate Use of Traditional Media

Television (6.7 ± 1.2) and posters (5.5 ± 1.0) show moderate usage. This reflects both their potential outreach and their limitations in fostering direct interaction.

## 1.5. Emerging Channels and Challenges

Educational mobile applications (3.9 ± 1.6) struggle to gain traction, highlighting technological, economic, and linguistic barriers. Nonetheless, they hold significant potential for long-term, integrated environmental communication strategies involving monitoring, interaction, and data analysis.

The results demonstrate that environmental campaigns in Cameroon rely on a wide range of platforms: community radios (73% of respondents), posters and billboards in markets and schools (58%), social media (47%), educational plays and sketches (41%), and village educational talks (36%). This diversity reflects a deliberate effort to adapt messages to local realities and popular modes of expression (Bessette, 2004; Momo, 2011). However, digital tools remain underutilized in rural areas, where internet access is still limited (Munongo & Ghislaine, 2024; Hugues & Mbouombouo, 2016).

## 2. Strong Community Participation in Rural Areas

### 2.1. High Collective Mobilization

Village meetings (4.6 ± 0.5), community work initiatives (4.2 ± 0.6), and reforestation campaigns (4.1 ± 0.6) recorded the highest scores. This indicates strong collective dynamics in environmental actions, supported by customary structures and traditional participatory approaches.

### 2.2. Role of Intermediate Vectors

Awareness groups (4.0 ± 0.8) and environmental monitoring committees (3.8 ± 0.9) serve as essential intermediaries between environmental policies and local communities, though their effectiveness often depends on external support (NGOs, projects, local governments).

### 2.3. Educational and Media Participation

Moderate levels of participation were recorded in environmental education activities (3.5 ± 1.0) and local radio programs (3.7 ± 0.7), reflecting both a good level of message penetration and some fragmentation in information access across regions.

Strong community participation in rural areas is summarized in the following table:
<table><caption>Table 2: Mean Scores and Standard Deviations for Forms of Community Participation (n = 100)</caption><thead><tr><td>Form of Community Participation</td><td>Mean Score (out of 5)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Village meetings</td><td>4.6 ± 0.5</td></tr><tr><td>Community work initiatives</td><td>4.2 ± 0.6</td></tr><tr><td>Awareness groups</td><td>4.0 ± 0.8</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental monitoring committees</td><td>3.8 ± 0.9</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental education in schools</td><td>3.5 ± 1.0</td></tr><tr><td>Participation in local radio programs</td><td>3.7 ± 0.7</td></tr><tr><td>Reforestation mobilization</td><td>4.1 ± 0.6</td></tr><tr><td>Support to local NGOs</td><td>3.3 ± 1.1</td></tr><tr><td>Intergenerational knowledge sharing</td><td>3.9 ± 0.9</td></tr><tr><td>Participation in surveys or polls</td><td>3.2 ± 1.2</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 2.4. Heterogeneity in Forms of Engagement

Less frequent forms of participation, such as support to local NGOs (3.3 ± 1.1) and involvement in surveys (3.2 ± 1.2), reflect the weak institutionalization of scientific or strategic community participation. This points to the need to strengthen environmental participatory democracy.

The results confirm that rural areas in Cameroon exhibit strong community participation, particularly in practical and culturally integrated actions. However, engagement in more technical or administrative processes remains limited, calling for:

* strengthened community capacity-building,

* better integration of modern participatory tools (digital technologies, citizen science),

* and institutionalization of dialogue between rural stakeholders and environmental institutions.

In the Far North and Western regions, reforestation, composting, and waste management initiatives actively involved local development committees, women's groups, and youth associations. This

mobilization illustrates the effectiveness of participatory approaches that value indigenous knowledge and horizontal exchange (Eriksen, 2005; Fouda, 2023). For instance, local-language broadcasts on *Echo des Montagnes* in Mokolo engaged over 300 households in plastic waste reduction practices. This confirms that integrated communication is most effective when it is context-sensitive and culturally appropriate (UNESCO, 2017).

## 3. Weakness of Inter-Institutional Coordination

### 3.1 Descriptive Analysis

The mean scores for all indicators revolve around 2 out of 5, indicating an overall low perception of inter-institutional coordination in environmental communication in Cameroon.

* The lack of clarity in institutional roles (1.8 ± 0.6) and the absence of functional multisectoral platforms (1.9 ± 0.8) are the most frequently criticized dimensions.

* Joint responsiveness to emergencies and the frequency of inter-institutional meetings are perceived
## 3.2 Structural Analysis

These results highlight systemic
dysfunctions in environmental governance:

<table><caption>Table 3. Perceived Inter-Institutional Coordination (n = 100 institutional respondents)</caption><thead><tr><td>Indicators of Inter-Institutional Coordination</td><td>Mean (out of 5)</td><td>% of Low or Very Low Perception</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Information sharing between ministries</td><td>2.1 ± 0.9</td><td>68%</td></tr><tr><td>Existence of functional multisectoral platforms</td><td>1.9 ± 0.8</td><td>72%</td></tr><tr><td>Frequency of coordination meetings</td><td>2.3 ± 1.0</td><td>64%</td></tr><tr><td>Integration of NGOs and local governments in decision-making</td><td>2.0 ± 0.7</td><td>70%</td></tr><tr><td>Clarity of roles and responsibilities of environmental institutions</td><td>1.8 ± 0.6</td><td>75%</td></tr><tr><td>Harmonization of communication strategies among technical services</td><td>2.2 ± 0.8</td><td>66%</td></tr><tr><td>Joint responsiveness to environmental emergencies</td><td>2.4 ± 0.9</td><td>62%</td></tr><tr><td>Collaboration between local, regional, and national actors</td><td>2.1 ± 0.7</td><td>69%</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 3.3 Scientific Interpretation

The weakness of coordination reflects:

* **A silo-based governance system,**
  typical of Central African countries,

where ministries operate in
isolation.

* **A low institutionalization of environmental communication** as
  a transversal strategic lever.

* **Challenges related to leadership,**
  **shared responsibility,** and **limited human and technical resources.**

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /><figcaption>Graph 1: Mean Scores of Inter-Institutional Coordination Indicators</figcaption></figure>
## 4. Consequences for Environmental Communication

* Ineffectiveness of multisectoral campaigns.

* Risks of duplication of efforts or contradictory environmental messaging.

* Difficulty in building a collective and participatory awareness of climate and ecological issues.

## 5. Recommendations

* Establish a national platform for inter-institutional coordination on environmental communication.

* Develop a standardized collaboration protocol among ministries, decentralized local governments (DLGs), NGOs, media, and communities.

* Strengthen institutional capacities and integrate environmental communication into public policies.

## 6. Lack of Training for Environmental Communicators

The findings highlight a significant lack of specialized training among environmental communicators in the Cameroonian context. Several key elements emerge:

1. Limited access to specialized training (mean: 2.1/5; 82% dissatisfied) reflects a structural gap in both initial and continuous training offerings, especially within curricula dedicated to environmental communication.

2. Low proficiency in digital and pedagogical tools (mean scores ranging from 2.0 to 2.4) hinders communicators' ability to use modern, effective approaches tailored to diverse audiences, especially in rural settings. This limits the effectiveness of outreach on environmental issues.

3. The lack of ongoing training and professional development (mean: 1.9/5; 85% dissatisfied) reveals a failure to update skills in line with the rapid evolution of technologies and participatory methods.

4. Weakness in crisis management and risk communication (mean: 1.8/5) is particularly concerning, as communicators are often on the frontlines during environmental emergencies (e.g., flooding, deforestation, pollution).

5. Insufficient community facilitation skills, which are crucial in rural African contexts, also limit social mobilization around environmental challenges.

<table><caption>Table 4. Assessment of the Training Gap Among Environmental Communicators (n = 90 respondents)</caption><thead><tr><td>Training Indicators</td><td>Mean (out of 5)</td><td>% of Dissatisfied Respondents</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Access to specialized training in environmental communication</td><td>2.1 ± 0.9</td><td>82%</td></tr><tr><td>Level of technical skills in digital communication</td><td>2.4 ± 0.8</td><td>75%</td></tr><tr><td>Knowledge of pedagogical and andragogical tools</td><td>2.0 ± 0.7</td><td>80%</td></tr><tr><td>Proficiency in scientific outreach techniques</td><td>2.3 ± 0.9</td><td>77%</td></tr><tr><td>Continuing education and professional development</td><td>1.9 ± 0.6</td><td>85%</td></tr><tr><td>Skills in crisis management and risk communication</td><td>1.8 ± 0.8</td><td>88%</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>Group facilitation and community mobilization competencies</td><td>2.2 ± 0.7</td><td>78%</td></tr></table>

This training deficit directly undermines the performance of integrated environmental

communication strategies, limiting the effectiveness of campaigns and the local ownership of messages.

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /><figcaption>Graph 2: Assessment of the Training Gap Among Environmental Communicators</figcaption></figure>

The study urgently recommends the implementation of **targeted training programs**, combining technical, pedagogical, and sociocultural competencies, along with **enhanced support for continuous professional development**, particularly in areas such as:

* Multisectoral campaign effectiveness

* Avoidance of message duplication or contradictions

* Building collective and participatory awareness of environmental and climate issues

## 7. Evaluation of Visible but Localized Outcomes of Environmental Communication Actions

### 1. Localized outcomes and community perception:

The mean score of **3.6/5** for perceived environmental improvement indicates that beneficiaries of communication efforts recognize tangible progress. This is reinforced by a high **ownership level** (3.7/5), showing that messages and actions are well received and understood at the local level.
## 2. Limited sustainability and replicability:

The average score for sustainability (3.2/5) and especially for the replicability of best practices (2.5/5) remain low, suggesting that

these initiatives struggle to scale beyond their initial areas. This likely reflects constraints such as funding, training, or the absence of robust institutional mechanisms.

<table><caption>Table 5. Evaluation of Visible but Localized Results of Environmental Communication Actions (n = 110 respondents)</caption><thead><tr><td>Localized Result Indicators</td><td>Average (out of 5)</td><td>% of Respondents Observing Visible Results</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Perception of environmental improvement in targeted communities</td><td>3.6 ± 0.8</td><td>72%</td></tr><tr><td>Sustainability of actions in intervention areas</td><td>3.2 ± 1.0</td><td>65%</td></tr><tr><td>Reproducibility of good practices in other localities</td><td>2.5 ± 0.9</td><td>48%</td></tr><tr><td>Level of ownership of messages by local populations</td><td>3.7 ± 0.7</td><td>74%</td></tr><tr><td>Intensity of ecological impacts measured locally</td><td>3.4 ± 0.8</td><td>69%</td></tr><tr><td>Limitations due to low funding and available resources</td><td>3.9 ± 0.6</td><td>78%</td></tr><tr><td>Lack of integration into national public policies</td><td>2.8 ± 1.1</td><td>54%</td></tr><tr><td>Low media visibility of results at the national level</td><td>2.6 ± 0.9</td><td>50%</td></tr></tbody></table>

## 3. Financial and Policy Constraints

The high average score (3.9/5) for limitations related to funding illustrates that the lack of financial resources hampers both the scaling up and sustainability of environmental communication efforts. Moreover, the low integration of local actions into national policies (2.8/5) reveals a disconnect between grassroots initiatives and central political will, preventing broader mainstreaming.

## 4. Insufficient National Visibility

The low score (2.6/5) regarding national media visibility confirms the limited dissemination of local successes beyond the field. This restricts broader public awareness, political engagement, and potential financial support. Addressing these gaps requires:

* The creation of a national inter-institutional coordination platform for environmental communication.

* The development of a standardized collaboration protocol among ministries, decentralized local governments (CTDs), NGOs, media, and communities.

* The strengthening of institutional capacities and the integration of environmental communication into public policy frameworks.

Despite the efforts made by NGOs, local governments, and sectoral ministries (MINEPDED, MINCOM), data reveal weak coordination among the various stakeholders involved in environmental communication. Several interviewees pointed out redundant initiatives, fragmented funding, and institutional silos (Nguinguiri, 1999; Dzokom, 2021; Dzokom, 2025a,b,c; Dzokom et al.,
2024a,b,c,d,e; Dzokom & Kodji, 2025; Dzokom, 2023; Dzokom, 2024). For example, in Yaoundé, two campaigns on household waste management were conducted simultaneously, without resource sharing or message harmonization.

## 6. The Need for Stronger Institutional Anchoring

Findings highlight a strong demand for more rigorous institutionalization of environmental communication practices. High average scores (≥ 4.0) indicate broad stakeholder agreement on the following:

* The absence of a stable legal framework for environmental communication.

* Sectoral compartmentalization, which undermines coordinated action.

* The insufficient involvement of local institutions, which are nonetheless crucial for sustainability.

The data presented on the need for stronger institutional anchoring helped to frame the study around integrated approaches to environmental communication.

<table><caption>Table 6. Assessment of the Need for Stronger Institutional Anchoring (n = 100 respondents: policymakers, technicians, researchers)</caption><thead><tr><td>Evaluated Indicators</td><td>Average (/5)</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Absence of a clear legal framework for environmental communication</td><td>4.3 ± 0.6</td></tr><tr><td>Lack of integration into sectoral public policies</td><td>4.1 ± 0.7</td></tr><tr><td>Low involvement of local institutions</td><td>3.9 ± 0.8</td></tr><tr><td>Lack of coordination between ministries and local governments</td><td>4.2 ± 0.6</td></tr><tr><td>Institutional instability or discontinuity of responsible structures</td><td>3.8 ± 0.9</td></tr><tr><td>Low level of sustainable public funding</td><td>4.0 ± 0.7</td></tr><tr><td>Absence or weakness of institutional monitoring and evaluation mechanisms</td><td>3.7 ± 0.8</td></tr></tbody></table>

According to the principles of integrated environmental governance, the effectiveness of any environmental communication strategy depends on:

* A multisectoral anchoring, encompassing ministries of environment, education, media, and others.

* Stable and legitimate institutional structures, capable of supporting initiatives even in the absence of international funding.

The implications for public policy would include:

* Strengthening the legal framework for environmental communication (through laws and decrees).

* Systematically integrating environmental communication components into sectoral strategies.

* Allocating recurrent budgets to environmental communication.

* Training and involving local governments, while providing them with sustainable resources.

The above graph visually illustrates the results, revealing a strong perception of structural deficiencies, notably:

* A lack of legal framework (4.3),

* Insufficient interinstitutional coordination (4.2),

* And a lack of integration into public policies (4.1).

Furthermore, documentary analysis shows that Cameroonian public policies still lack a
clear structuring framework to integrate
environmental communication in a cross-
sectoral manner. The National
Development Plan (NDP) and national
climate strategies mention communication
as a supporting tool, but without clear
implementation mechanisms or dedicated
budgets (MINEPDED, 2020). According to
Servaes (2008), institutionalizing

environmental communication is an
essential condition for its long-term
effectiveness.

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /><figcaption>Graph 3: Assessment of Institutional Anchoring</figcaption></figure>

Conclusion

The study of integrated environmental
communication approaches in Cameroon
reveals that, despite notable efforts to
diversify channels, mobilize communities,
and adapt to local contexts, environmental
communication remains marked by several
structural weaknesses. Local initiatives led
by NGOs, community radios, or opinion
leaders demonstrate that participatory,
multicultural, and contextualized
approaches can produce tangible effects on
environmental behaviors. However, these
successes remain limited in scope and
duration due to the lack of solid institutional
frameworks, specialized training for

communicators, and sustainable
coordination mechanisms among
stakeholders.

Moreover, the absence of a coherent
national strategy for environmental
communication, integrated into sustainable
development policies, limits Cameroon's
capacity to embed environmental
communication within a long-term vision.
Therefore, it appears necessary to
reconsider environmental communication
not merely as a tool for awareness-raising
but as a strategic lever for social, economic,
and ecological change.

Recommendations
1. Develop a **National Environmental Communication Strategy**

The government, through MINEPDED, should develop a clear, multisectoral, and budgeted national strategy that defines objectives, target audiences, actors, communication channels, performance indicators, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for environmental communication.

2. Strengthen **Communicators' Capacities**

It is crucial to establish continuous training programs for journalists, community facilitators, teachers, and NGO agents covering fundamentals of communication for behavior change, contemporary environmental issues, and intercultural communication techniques.

3. Promote Local Languages and Indigenous Knowledge

Effective communication requires greater use of local languages and integration of traditional knowledge into content. This will foster message appropriation and cultural anchoring within rural communities.

4. Create Interinstitutional Coordination Platforms

Synergy among ministries, local governments, NGOs, universities, and media would prevent duplication of efforts and maximize the impact of environmental communication actions.

5. Integrate Environmental Communication into Formal Education

Introducing environmental communication modules into school curricula, university programs, and vocational training will encourage the emergence of a new generation

of citizens and professionals sensitive to ecological issues.

6. Strengthen Impact Evaluation of Campaigns

Finally, it is necessary to systematize impact studies and participatory evaluations of environmental campaigns to identify effective levers, adjust strategies, and ensure the sustainability of behavioral changes.

References

* Bessette, G. (2004). *Involving the Community: A Guide to Participatory Development Communication*. IDRC / Southbound.

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