No to Bushfires: How to communicate for better prevention and management

By Bakah Derick 

Effectly preventing or managing bushfires requires good communication. While organisations with the competences like Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) are engaging from several fronts including communication and sensitisation, community leaders and other stakeholders will require to also communicate effectively at this time. When we contacted our consultant Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy, Director of CAMGEW on ways of communication at this time he suggested the following 

"The organisation of training workshops, seminars, sensitization in social and cultural groups by key actors and concerned individuals and institutions. 

Radio talks targeting communities with potentials of bushfires

Production and distribution of posters/flyers, booklets, Forest signpost

The use of community announcers generally known as Town criers. 

Create Forest users platform (hunters, bee farmers, herbalist, firewood fetchers), Men’s traditional club like Manjong, Mfuh houses, Traditional councils, Forest Management Institution (FMIs) platforms, Forest Honey Cooperatioves as well as the One-on-one approach

Learning-by-doing in bushfire prevention and management practices 

Engage group sensitization through schools, Churches, social and cultural groups

Use telephone calls and Social media platforms like whatsapp, facebook, twitter, linkehn, website to reach out to other community members 

Initiate Arts and crafts with drawing, painting, dancing, singing, sketches, which enhances understanding."

Wirsiy Emmanuel Binyuy Director of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW) putting off a fire in heart of the forest 

Supported by the GEF Small Grant Program under the project titled “Eco-friendly Bushfire Prevention and Management in Kilum-Ijim forest” CAMGEW has been sharing this communication techniques with community leaders in a bid to reduce or stop bushfire occurrences.