In this episode of Canadian Changemakers, host Gabrielle Lepage speaks with Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou, a value chain and income-generating activities specialist in Cameroon, and Ryan Turley, project manager at Alinea International, about sustainable livelihoods and climate resilience in the Lake Chad Basin region. Communities in Cameroon's Far North Region are facing growing challenges linked to climate change, food insecurity, displacement and increasing pressure on natural resources. In this context, women, youth and producer organizations are receiving support to develop sustainable livelihoods that help improve incomes while contributing to environmental conservation. Gabrielle, Ornella and Ryan discuss the role of local cooperatives, value chain development and community-led innovations, highlighting how conservation and economic development can work together to strengthen long-term resilience. This episode is presented as part of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by Alinea International, the Lake Chad Basin Commission and several other partners. About Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou Ornella De Vinyle Nzouegou is a value chain and income-generating activities specialist based in Maroua, Cameroon. With more than 10 years of experience in community development, social entrepreneurship and economic inclusion, she supports vulnerable communities in strengthening sustainable livelihoods across the Lake Chad Basin region. Her work focuses on value chain development, innovation and community-led approaches that improve economic resilience while promoting the sustainable management of natural resources. Through the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, she works closely with women, youth and producer organizations to help transform local opportunities into long-term economic and environmental benefits. About Ryan Turley Ryan Turley is a project manager at Alinea International with more than 15 years of experience in international development. His work has focused on supporting governments and civil society organizations across a range of sectors, including education, sexual and reproductive health and rights, sustainable growth and climate change adaptation. Currently, Ryan manages an institutional strengthening project supporting Ukraine's Ministry of Veteran's Affairs and oversees Alinea's portfolio of Field Support Services projects, providing technical assistance to Canadian diplomatic missions in ten countries. In addition, he supervises the micro-grants component of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, providing guidance, monitoring progress, and ensuring compliance. Related Links Lake Chad Basin Conservation ProjectAlinea InternationalGlobal Affairs Canada“Là où l’on s’adapte / On Changing Ground” - Documentary on income-generating activities 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode Learn how women, youth and producer organizations are building climate resilience through sustainable livelihoods in Cameroon.Understand how conservation initiatives can strengthen both local economies and environmental protection.Discover how community-led solutions, local partnerships and climate-smart practices are supporting long-term resilience in the Lake Chad Basin. Enjoyed This Episode? We invite you to explore more episodes of Canadian Changemakers on your favourite podcast platform. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your community. To learn more about Climate Action Africa initiatives, visit our website. At Alinea International, we recognize that our teams work on the traditional territories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across Canada, as well as Indigenous peoples and local communities in the countries where we operate. We respect and affirm their inherent and treaty rights, and we are committed to walking together on the path toward reconciliation, guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
