# Environmental Management Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges in the Cameroonian Sahel Zone

Alexis Dzokom

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Alexis Dzokom. Environmental Management Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges in the Cameroonian Sahel Zone. Sahel Nature Consulting Revue, In press, Environmental Skill's, 5 (7), pp.1-7. hal-05001395

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# Environmental Management Jobs: Opportunities and Challenges in the Cameroonian Sahel Zone

Alexis DZOKOM¹,²

¹SAHEL NATURE CONSULTING

²Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts Letters and Social Sciences, University of Maroua, Cameroon

## Abstract

Environmental management has become a major issue in Cameroon's Sahel region, due to the effects of climate change and the increasing degradation of natural resources. This article examines the opportunities and challenges associated with environmental management professions in this region. The study is based on an in-depth literature review and a field survey of environmental professionals and organizations. The results show that the development of renewable energy (72% ± 5%) is perceived as an important economic driver, particularly in rural areas without electricity, while 65% of respondents believe that environmental management professions promote job creation in the areas of reforestation, waste management, recycling, agroecology, and renewable energy. Approximately 72% of the experts surveyed stated that these professions play a key role in adapting to climate change if preceded by training and awareness-raising (70% ± 6%), which must be strengthened to enable greater professionalization of environmental managers. With an impact of 78% ± 6%, limited access to financing constitutes a central obstacle, while 65% ± 7% of respondents believe that the lack of appropriate training hinders the professionalization of the sector, thus reducing available local skills. Integrating environmental management professions into national rural and urban development strategies could help develop public-private partnerships to foster innovation and investment in sustainable natural resource management.

**Keywords:** environmental management, Sahel region, Cameroon, opportunities, challenges, climate change, green jobs

## 1. Introduction

Environmental management is a major issue in Cameroon's Sahelian regions, where ecological and climatic challenges exacerbate the socioeconomic difficulties of local populations. The role of environmental manager is part of a dynamic of ecological transition and sustainable development, requiring multidisciplinary skills to reconcile the preservation of natural resources and the improvement of community living conditions.

According to Dzokom (2025), environmental management is based on integrated approaches involving ecosystem conservation, sustainable natural resource management, and combating the effects of climate change. In Cameroon's Sahelian region, these professions cover diverse areas, including the management of degraded lands, reforestation, agricultural adaptation to climate hazards, as well as environmental awareness and education.

The opportunities offered by these professions are numerous. Indeed, public policies and international initiatives, such as

the Great Green Wall, encourage the creation of green jobs and the strengthening of local capacities. NGOs, research institutions, and farmers' organizations play a crucial role in training and integrating environmental managers into ecological resilience projects (FAO, 2021).

However, several challenges remain. Unstable funding, a lack of suitable infrastructure, and low public awareness of sustainable resource management hamper the development of this sector. Adams et al. (2019) highlight that the lack of coherent policies and incentive mechanisms reduces the attractiveness of environmental professions for Sahelian youth.

Furthermore, demographic pressure and uncontrolled agricultural expansion increase tensions on natural resources, requiring innovative strategies to reconcile economic development and conservation.

Thus, the development of environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel requires a systemic approach combining training, financing, and effective governance as Dzokom
(2025) mentions, the establishment of incentive-based legislative frameworks and specialized training programs is essential to make these professions levers of sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change.

## 2. Materials and Methods

The study on environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel region is based on a mixed-methodological approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods for an in-depth analysis of the opportunities and challenges in this sector.

### 2.1. Study Setting and Sampling

The study was conducted in several locations in Cameroon's Sahel region, particularly in the Far North and North regions, characterized by significant environmental degradation and significant socioeconomic challenges (Dzokom, 2025). The sampling followed a stratified approach, taking into account criteria such as:

* Type of environmental activity (natural resource management, reforestation, waste management, agroecology)

* Stakeholder involvement (NGOs, farmers' organizations, local governments, private companies)

* Geographic distribution of environmental management initiatives

A sample of 150 stakeholders (environmental managers, farmers, NGO members, government representatives, and researchers) was selected for semi-structured interviews and quantitative surveys (FAO, 2021).

### 2.2. Data Collection

Two main techniques were used for data collection:

#### a. Surveys and Semi-structured Interviews

Questionnaires were administered to 120 environmental managers and rural development stakeholders to gather

information on their perceptions of the opportunities and challenges related to their work. These questionnaires covered topics such as:

* Access to training and financing

* Employment and entrepreneurship opportunities

* Institutional and environmental constraints

* The impact of public policies on environmental management

At the same time, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 experts (civil servants, NGO leaders, researchers) to further analyze environmental management policies and the effectiveness of implemented strategies (Adams et al., 2019).

#### b. Document Analysis

A literature review was conducted using institutional reports, scientific articles, and publications from international organizations (FAO, UNDP, UN Environment). This analysis provided context for trends in green jobs and environmental management policies in Sahelian Africa.

### 23. Data Analysis

The collected data were processed using specialized software:

The quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS software for the statistical processing of survey data. Correlation and factor analysis tests were applied to identify variables influencing the sector's opportunities and challenges.

The qualitative analysis consisted of a content analysis of the interviews, using the thematic analysis method to identify major trends and stakeholders' discourses on environmental management in the Sahel region.

This combined methodology made it possible to cross-reference the perceptions of different stakeholders, identify structural issues, and propose recommendations adapted to the Cameroonian Sahelian context.

## 3. Results and Discussion
The analysis of environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel region highlights both economic and social opportunities as well as major constraints hindering the sector's development.

### 3.1. Results

#### 3.1.1. Opportunities Offered by Environmental Management Professions

As part of the study on environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel, a survey was conducted among various stakeholders (environmental managers, farmers, cooperatives, NGOs, and local authorities). The objective was to assess the socioeconomic and ecological opportunities offered by these professions using several key indicators.

##### 3.1.1.1. High Demand for Professions Related to Reforestation and Agroecology

With an acceptance rate of 80±6%, reforestation and agroecology are the opportunities most valued by the

stakeholders surveyed. These results are consistent with international policies such as the Great Green Wall Initiative, which aims to combat desertification (FAO, 2021).

##### 3.1.1.2. Job Creation and Green Entrepreneurship: An Underexploited Potential

The study reveals that 74% of respondents consider environmental management professions to be a source of job creation, particularly for young graduates. However, only 55% believe that access to financing is sufficient, highlighting a barrier to the development of green businesses (UNDP, 2020).

##### 3.1.1.3. Energy and Economic Opportunities

The development of renewable energy (72% ± 5%) is perceived as an important economic lever, particularly in rural areas without electricity. However, the lack of accessible technologies and specialized training limits its expansion.

<table><caption>Table 1: Opportunities Perceived by Environmental Managers in the Sahel Region of Cameroon</caption><thead><tr><td>Opportunity</td><td>Acceptance Rate (%)</td><td>Most Concerned Stakeholders</td><td>Expected Impact</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Creation of green jobs</td><td>74 ± 5</td><td>Young graduates, local NGOs</td><td>Reduction of unemployment, professional integration</td></tr><tr><td>Waste valorization (recycling, composting)</td><td>68 ± 4</td><td>Cooperatives, farmers</td><td>Pollution reduction, soil improvement</td></tr><tr><td>Promotion of agroecology and reforestation</td><td>80 ± 6</td><td>Farmers, forest managers</td><td>Increased climate resilience, better productivity</td></tr><tr><td>Development of renewable energies</td><td>72 ± 5</td><td>Entrepreneurs, local authorities</td><td>Reduced dependence on fossil fuels</td></tr><tr><td>Access to funding and subsidies</td><td>55 ± 7</td><td>Associations, ecological SMEs</td><td>Stimulation of local initiatives, project sustainability</td></tr><tr><td>Environmental awareness and training</td><td>70 ± 6</td><td>Educators, young professionals</td><td>Strengthening local capacities, community empowerment</td></tr></tbody></table>

##### 3.1.1.4. Creation of green jobs and diversification of economic activities

The study revealed that 65% of respondents believe that environmental management professions promote job creation in the
areas of reforestation, waste management, recycling, agroecology, and renewable energy (Dzokom, 2025). Initiatives such as the Great Green Wall have stimulated the engagement of youth and local organizations in income-generating ecological projects (FAO, 2021).

### 3.1.1.5. Contribution to resilience to climate change

Approximately 72% of the experts surveyed stated that these professions play a key role in adapting to climate change, particularly through the implementation of soil and water conservation techniques and the promotion of sustainable agriculture (Adams et al., 2019).

### 3.1.1.6. Public Policy Support and International Initiatives

Government programs and international funding, particularly from UNDP and UN Environment, offer development opportunities to environmental managers through training, grants, and sustainable resource management projects (UNDP, 2020).

### 3.1.1.7. Comparison with Other Sahelian Regions

Cameroon displays opportunities similar to those observed in Senegal and Burkina Faso, where agroecology and waste recovery are also booming sectors (Adams et al., 2019). However, access to grants is more limited compared to Mali, which benefits from more developed international programs.

### 3.1.1.8. Future Developments of the Sector

Integrating environmental professions into national development strategies could improve access to funding and promote institutional recognition of the sector (Dzokom, 2025). Training and awareness-raising (70% ± 6%) must be strengthened to enable greater professionalization of environmental managers.

### 3.1.2. Challenges and Constraints of the Sector

As part of the study on environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel region, a survey was conducted among professionals in the sector (environmental managers, NGOs, farmers, local authorities, green businesses). The objective was to identify the main challenges hindering the development of these professions.

<table><caption>Table 2: Challenges and Constraints of the Sector</caption><thead><tr><td>Challenge / Constraint</td><td>Impact Rate (%)</td><td>Concerned Stakeholders</td><td>Main Consequences</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Lack of funding and subsidies</td><td>78 ± 6</td><td>Ecological SMEs, NGOs, young entrepreneurs</td><td>Difficulty in launching or sustaining projects</td></tr><tr><td>Absence of a structured legal framework</td><td>72 ± 5</td><td>Managers, local authorities</td><td>Poorly regulated professions, instability of initiatives</td></tr><tr><td>Limited access to specialized training</td><td>65 ± 7</td><td>Young graduates, cooperatives</td><td>Lack of suitable skills, low professionalization</td></tr><tr><td>Human pressure and overexploitation of natural resources</td><td>80 ± 5</td><td>Farmers, forest managers</td><td>Ecosystem degradation, biodiversity loss</td></tr><tr><td>Insufficient ecological infrastructure (recycling, renewable energy)</td><td>70 ± 6</td><td>Entrepreneurs, local authorities</td><td>Limits green industrialization and sustainable management</td></tr></tbody></table>
<table><tr><td>Vulnerability to climate change</td><td>85 ± 4</td><td>Farmers, water resource managers</td><td>Impact on agricultural productivity and water management</td></tr><tr><td>Lack of awareness of sector opportunities among local populations</td><td>60 ± 5</td><td>Rural communities, local decision-makers</td><td>Low community engagement, lack of awareness</td></tr></table>

### 3.1.2.1. Lack of funding and weak legal structure: major obstacles

With an impact of 78±6%, limited access to funding is a key obstacle. The majority of environmental managers and entrepreneurs struggle to secure funding to develop sustainable projects (FAO, 2021). The lack of an appropriate regulatory framework (72% ±5%) exacerbates the situation: ecological initiatives lack institutional recognition, which limits their structuring and long-term viability (UNDP, 2020). The lack of infrastructure adapted to training and the application of ecological practices also limits their effectiveness (Dzokom, 2025).

### 3.1.2.2. A deficit in specialized training and green infrastructure

65±7% of respondents believe that the lack of appropriate training is hampering the professionalization of the sector, thus reducing available local skills. 70± 6% of stakeholders highlight the lack of ecological infrastructure (recycling facilities, renewable energy) as a major constraint, limiting the development of the sector and associated value chains (Adams et al., 2019).

Only 40% of the managers surveyed have adequate training in environmental management, which limits their skills and employability. Furthermore, the lack of clear regulatory frameworks and official recognition of certain professions hinders their integration into the labor market (Adams et al., 2019).

### 3.1.2.3. Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressures: Critical Environmental Challenges

Climate vulnerability (85% ± 4%) represents the main environmental threat

for environmental managers, due to drought, desertification, and land degradation. Overexploitation of natural resources (80% ± 5%) is also a major problem, threatening the ecological balance and sustainability of environmentally-based economic activities.

The rapid population growth in the Sahel region is exacerbating deforestation, desertification, and the scarcity of arable land. According to the FAO (2021), more than 30% of arable land in the northern region of Cameroon is threatened by desertification, which compromises the efforts of environmental managers.

### 3.1.2.4. Comparison with other Sahelian countries

Senegal and Burkina Faso face similar challenges, particularly regarding financing and training. However, these countries benefit from better structuring of the sector through more developed support programs (FAO, 2021). Unlike Mali, where renewable energy projects are well supported, Cameroon remains behind in investment in ecological infrastructure.

### 3.1.2.5. Areas for Improvement

Establish national and international funds dedicated to environmental professions to improve access to financing.

Develop training programs adapted to local realities to strengthen the skills of environmental managers.

Encourage better integration of environmental policies into national and local development strategies.

## 3.2. Discussion

The results of this study confirm the conclusions of Dzokom (2025), who emphasizes that environmental
management is a lever for sustainable development, but that it requires capacity building and increased institutional support to fully develop.

On the one hand, the opportunities offered by these professions are significant, particularly in terms of green job creation, improved climate resilience, and international support. The growing involvement of NGOs and donors, such as the FAO and UNDP, is an encouraging factor for the professionalization of the sector. On the other hand, structural challenges related to a lack of funding, the absence of specialized training, and environmental pressures are hampering the growth of environmental management professions in the Sahel region. As Adams et al. (2019) note, public policies must be better adapted to local realities and include financial and tax incentive programs to promote the professionalization and integration of these professions.

Thus, recommendations such as the establishment of economic incentives for sector stakeholders, the development of appropriate technical training, and the integration of green professions into national development strategies are essential to fully harness the potential of environmental managers in the Cameroonian Sahel region.

# 4. Conclusion and Recommendations

## 4.1. Conclusion

The analysis of environmental management professions in the Cameroonian Sahel region highlights a sector with strong potential, but facing structural challenges. These professions offert considerable economic and environmental opportunities, particularly in terms of green job creation, combating desertification, and adapting to climate change.

However, major constraints are hampering the full development of this sector. Lack of funding, insufficient specialized training, limited recognition of environmental professions, and increasing pressure on

natural resources are all challenges that require appropriate interventions.

It is therefore essential to strengthen the professionalization of the sector through ambitious public policies, better integration of environmental skills into training programs, and increased involvement of institutional and economic stakeholders.

## 4.2. Recommendations

To optimize the role of environmental managers and promote sustainable development in the Cameroonian Sahel region, several actions are recommended:

### 4.2.1. Improving access to financing and economic incentives

Creating specific funds for environmental projects, with credit facilities for young entrepreneurs and environmental cooperatives. Implementation of incentive tax policies, such as tax exemptions for companies investing in the green economy.

### 4.2.2. Strengthening training and professional development

The development of specialized academic programs in environmental management, adapted to Sahelian realities, could strengthen the integration of environmental skills into technical and agricultural curricula to strengthen the skilled workforce and promote continuing education and professional certifications in partnership with universities and NGOs.

### 4.2.3. Structuring and recognizing environmental management professions

The development of a clear legal framework defining the status and qualifications of environmental managers could help strengthen unions and professional associations to defend the sector's interests and encourage innovation.

### 4.2.4. Community Awareness and Involvement

Developing awareness campaigns on the importance of environmental professions for the economy and climate resilience could help strengthen the participation of
local populations in natural resource
management initiatives through
participatory approaches.

4.2.5. **Strengthening Public Policies and Integrating Green Professions into National Development**

Integrating environmental management professions into national rural and urban development strategies could help develop public-private partnerships to foster innovation and investment in sustainable natural resource management.

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