Dr Barnabas Neba Nfornkah
Environmental/Natural Resource Management Specialist
Yaounde
Summary
Enthusiastic Environmental Specialist eager to contribute to team success through hard work, attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. Brings more than 7 years of experience detecting, fielding and resolving support needs through research in the domain of climate change, governance, and supported projects implementation. Clear understanding of Environmental safeguard and Standard and trained in Natural Resource Management with emphasis on Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA). Motivated to learn, grow and excel in managing environmental issues.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Languages
Work History
Project Technical Assistant
International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)
Yaounde
12.2020 - 06.2022
- Gathered, organized and implemented work packages of 3 Task forces (TF) on Bamboo for renewable energy (TFB4RE); Sustainable Bamboo management (TFSBM), and bamboo nutrition (TFSBN).
- Drove recruitment and onboarded international experts as Members of TFs (19 experts for TFB4RE; 31 experts for TFSBM)
- Established national mirror committees (NMCs) that will develop national-level standards on bamboo products in Different African Countries (20 member states);
- Set up and convened international meetings per year per TF (2 physical meetings: Accra Ghana and Yaounde Cameroon);
- Provided technical guidance and support to TF experts in elaborating 5 voluntary guideline standards (VGS) for Forest landscape restoration, certification of natural and planted bamboos; charcoal and klin production, charcoal improved stove, and Charcoal commoditizations.
- Maintained knowledge support base regarding 5 VGS in accordance with visions of Organization;
- Reviewed 5 VGS manual to ensure compliance with Organizational standards;
- Prepared technical reports, presentations and other materials for advisory meetings with high policymakers, Development planners and funders; capacity buildings, conferences etc.
- Worked closely with INBAR Communications, Membership Affairs, and Programme teams to synthesize and share results and knowledge developed over project;
- Leveraged 4 TF activities to expand activities to other African countries, where possible;
- Worked closely with Central Africa Regional Office (CARO) Director and Inter-Africa Programme Lead (based in Ghana), coordinating regularly on day-to-day administrative and operational issues; etc.
- Organized, technical presentations and trained local communities on sustainable bamboo management; and Universities on establishing experimental trial layout and data collection, etc.
- Organized, onboarded international participants and participated 1 Africa Congress on Bamboo and Rattan; 2 Regional Symposia (Yaounde and Ghana), international Bamboo Energy conference in Yaounde and several local workshops on capacity etc.
Post Graduate Research
University of Dschang
Dschang
01.2017 - 11.2020
- Conceptualized research topic; elaborated and validated protocol in Dschang School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Dschang;
- Researched and got fund ($ 27,500) from International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR);
- Designed methodologies (sampling designs, appropriate GIS/RS satellite imageries; statistical technics and software,etc.,
- Drove recruitment of 16 research field assistants, trained on GIS, inventory of bamboo stocks and carbon stocks data collection;
- Led 5 teams on field data collection on spatial distribution and carbon stocks;
- Interviewed 41 bamboo stakeholders on bamboo governance in Cameroon to collect data.
- Coded data in preparation for computer entry.
- Allocated and managed laboratory space for subsamples drying and resources.
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create representative graphs, charts, maps; allometry equations to highlight results for presentations.
- Verified accuracy and validity of data entered in databases to correct errors.
- Assisted with preparing 1 field summary and financial report to present to donor.
- Managed, prepared and manipulated extensive 3 databases .
- Prepared tables, graphs and fact sheets to summarize research results.
- Wrote 4 manuscripts and published articles in peer reviewed journals, and 1 policy document
- Wrote and defended Ph.D in Natural Resource Management
Forest and Climate Expert
Fokabs INC
Yaounde
12.2018 - 08.2020
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions during field work.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork in project/program elaboration.
- Improved operations through consistent hard work and dedication especially meeting with clients' standards and deadlines of 5 projects.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement and delivery of about 7 projects at year end.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results, technical reports, project descriptive documents and publications of 7 program, project documents, strategy, etc.
- Resolved conflicts and negotiated mutually beneficial agreements between parties.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings; 5 validation workshops.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships with all partners within and out of Fokabs INC.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts to meet up with deadlines.
- Worked to maintain outstanding attendance record, consistently arriving to work ready to start immediately. This earned bonus at year end to every member of team (100000 F CFA).
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
Student Research Intern
ENS Yaounde
Yaounde
08.2015 - 04.2016
- Gathered, arranged and corrected research data to create epiphyte diversity and carbon stocks for results presentations.
- Allocated and managed laboratory space and resources to dry up to 500 subsamples for carbon stocks estimations.
- Coded data in preparation for computer entry.
- Assisted with preparing 1 project-related reports, presentations and manuscripts.
- Verified accuracy and validity of data entered in databases to correct errors.
- Participated in continuous improvement by generating suggestions, engaging in problem-solving activities to support teamwork for PreREDD+ project.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools (R) to create documents and other communications.
- Wrote 1 Master Memoire and defended.
- Published 2 articles : 1 on epiphyte diversity loss and 1 on protocol for epiphyte carbon evaluation.
Education
Ph.D. - Natural Resources Management
University of Dschang
Dschang, West Cameroon 01.2017 - 04.2021
Master of Science - Natural Resources Management
University of Dschang
Dschang, West Cameroon 01.2014 - 08.2016
M.D. - Biology Teacher Education
ENS Yaounde I, University of Yaounde
Yaounde, Centre Cameroon 10.2009 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
University of Dschang
Dschang, West Cameroon 10.2007 - 09.2008
BBA - Biology
ENS Bamenda
Bamenda, North West Cameroon 10.2000 - 07.2004
Skills
Self-Motivated
undefinedAccomplishments
- Achieved 40 publications [1 book chapter,1 Ph.D thesis,18 peer reviewed articles, 3 manuscripts in press, 5 manuscripts under peer review, 5 working/technical papers, 5 Voluntary Guideline Standards, 2 conference papers] through effectively helping with my work experience.
I. Book chapter
1. Nyong PA, Ngankam MT, Lucie FT, Marie-Louise TA, Abubakar AS, Gadinga WF, Barnabas NN. 2021. Climate-Smart and Agroecological Farming Systems of Smallholder Farmers. Springer Nature Switzerland AG, Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland. ISBN 978-3-030-71570-0 ISBN 978-3-030-71571-7 (eBook)
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-71571-7
PhD thesis
2. Barnabas NN. 2021. Allometry and carbon stocks of Bamboo: development of models for Cameroon. Ph.D thesis, University of Dschang. 142 p.
II. Peer reviewed articles
Year 2022
3. Barnabas NN, Kevin E, Rene K, Chimi CD, Gadinga WF, Nyong PA, Tanougong AD. 2022. Spatial distribution of rattan and indigenous perspectives vis-a-vis ` the growth rate of economically important rattan species in Cameroon: Sustainability and policy implications. Current Research in Environmental Sustainability 4 (2022) 100151
4. Meyabeme A, Rene k, Nsim MF, Nyong PA, Herman Z, Barnabas NN, Martin NT 2022. Analysis of Actors Involved in the Bamboo Value Chain and Strategies for the Development of the Bamboo Sector in the Menoua Division, West Region of Cameroon. Open Journal of Forestry 1: 122-1
5. Ananfack G, Baurel A, Herman TZ, Nyong PA, Steve NT, Loic TT, Barnabas NN, Rene K, Martin NT 2022. Assessing Growth Parameters from Culm Cuttings of Bambusa vulgaris at the University of Dschang Botanic Garden, West Region of Cameroon: Implications for the Bamboo Resource Base and Rural Livelihoods. Open Journal of Forestry, 12: 88-106.
Year 2021
7. Chimi, DC, Barnabas NN, Gadinga WF, Awazi NP, Kaam, R, Nguefack AJ, Tatang M, Atoupka AM, Zambou GJC, Tabue MRB, Inimbock SL and Zapfack L. 2021. Indigenous Knowledge of Bamboo Products and uses in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Asian Journal of Research in Agriculture and Forestry. 7(2): 22-30, 2021 AJRAF.69225.
8. Ntonmen AFY, Zapfack L., Chimi D.C., Banoho, LPRK., Barnabas NN., Temfack I. T., Nanfack D’E. A., Tagnang N. M., Guylene N., Kpoumie H. M., Votio MT., Nono CT, Mbobda RBT. 2021. Wood Density of lower stratum trees in a semi-deciduous tropical forest of Cameroon. Journal of Forestry.
Year 2020
9. Barnabas NN, Kaam R, Tchamba M, Zapfack L, Chimi CD, Tanougong A 2020. In press. Assessing the spatial distribution of bamboo species in Cameroon using remote sensing and knowledge-based techniques. Journal of Ecology and The Natural Environment. 12(4) 172-183. DOI: 10.5897/JENE2020.0839.
10. Barnabas, N. N., Rene, K., Tchamba, M., Zapfack, L., Chimi D. C., Gadinga, W.F., Tanougong, A. D., Tsewoue, M. R., Atchombou, J. B., Tientcheu, L., Zanguim, T. G. H., Kede, Y., & Djeukam, S.V. 2020. Culm Allometry and Carbon Storage Capacity of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.WendL. in the Tropical Evergreen Rain Forest of Cameroon, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, DOI: 10.1080/10549811.2020.1795688. https://doi.org/10.1080/10549811.2020.1795688
11. Barnabas, N. N., Kaam, R., Zapfack, L., Tchamba, M., Chimi, D. C. 2020. Bamboo diversity and carbon stocks of dominant species in different Agroecological zones in Cameroon. African Journal of Environment Science and Technology 14(10), 290-300. DOI: 10.5897/AJEST2020.2871.
12. Barnabas, N. N., Rene, K., L. Zapfack, Tchamba, M., Chimi, C. D., Forje, W.G., Tanougong, A. N. D., Tsewoue, M.R., Nguefack, J. A., Jessica, C.G.Z., Okala, S. 2020. Spatial distribution and carbon storage of a native bamboo species in High Guinea Savannah of Cameroon: case of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro. International Journal of Environmental Studies https://doi.org/10.1080/00207233.2020.1824972.
13. Chimi DC, Barnabas NN, Kabelong B.L, Noudem J.C, Misse A.C, Tabue M.R.B., Gadinga W.F, Madountsap T.N, Ntonmen Y.A.F., Mounmemi K.H., Tchoupou V.M., and Zapfack L. 2020. Orchids diversity and biomass on a native host tree in a semi deciduous rain forest of Cameroon. Journal of Sustainable Forestry.
14. Gadinga WF., Tchamba NM., Barnabas NN., Nyong PA, Chimi CD, Diabe ES, Reeves MF 2020. Assessing the impact of ecotourism on livelihood of the local population living around the Campo Ma’an National Park, South Region of Cameroon. Journal of Hospitality Management and Tourism. 11(1):1-110. DOI: 10.5897/JHMT2020.0280.
15. Ntonmen AFY, Zapfack L, Chimi DC, Banoho L-P RK, Temfack IT, Barnabas NN, Nanfack D’EA., Tagnang NM, Guylene N, Kpoumie HM, Votio MT, Nono CT, Mbobda RBT. 2020. Floristic diversity and structure of understory in semi-deciduous forests in Cameroon. Journal of biodiversity and environmental sciences. 16 (2): 103 -110
Year 2019
16. Barnabas NN, Tchamba M, Zapfack L, Djomo CC, Mairong NF, Bonaventure S. 2019. Vascular epiphytes loss in exploited trees of the semi deciduous managed forest of Ndelele, East Cameroon, Journal of Sustainable Forestry, DOI: 10.1080/10549811.2019.1602056
17. Gadinga WF, Tchamba MN., Barnabas NN., Chimi CD, Reeves MF. 2019. Bush Mango (Irvingia spp.) As an Important Alternative Livelihood source for the Indigenes of the Korup National Park Communities, South West Cameroon. Environmental and Earth Sciences Research Journal 6(4): 141-148.
Year 2018
18. Barnabas NN, Zapfack L, Tchamba MN, Chimi CD, Sonke B. 2018. A protocol to estimate epiphytes biomass in a forest management unit: case of Cameroon, Journal of sustainable Forestry, DOI:10.108°/10549811.2018.1449122.
19. Barnabas NN, Tchamba MN, Chimi DC., Gadinga WF, Mairong FN., 2018: Indigenous knowledge on irvingia gabonensis (bush mango) sustainability in the Takamanda National Park (TNP) communities, South West Cameroon, Forests, Trees and Livelihoods, DOI: 10.1080/14728028.2018.151242
20. Tabue MR, Chimi DC, Djanteng SP, Nanfack AE, Noiha NV, Barnabas NN, Forbi PF, Kabelong BL, Zekeng JC, Awono NJ, Wabo PF, Ngoma LR and Zapfack L. 2018. Indigenous knowledge as a tool for Wildlife Conservation in the Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon. International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research. 6(4): 148-156.
Manuscripts in Press
21. Ntonmen AFY, Zapfack L., Chimi DC., Banoho LPRK., Temfack IT., Barnabas NN., Nanfack DEA., Tagnang NM., Guylene N., Kpoumie HM., Votio MT., Nono CT, Mbobda RBT, in Press. Complementary allometric model of understory tree biomass in the semi-deciduous rainforest of Cameroon. Acta Botanica Brasillica
22. Avana.TML., Mankou V. and Barnabas, N.N., in Press. Status of bamboo species (Poaceae) (kunth) in Menoua, Agroecological Zone Three Cameroon. International Journal of Biodiversity Conservation
23. Chimi DC, Barnabas NN, Kabelong B.L, Noudem J.C, Misse A.C, Tabue M.R.B., Gadinga W.F, Madountsap T.N, Ntonmen Y.A.F., Mounmemi K.H., Tchoupou V.M., and Zapfack L. Impact of Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum exploitation on fern richness and biomass potential in the semi-deciduous rain forest of Cameroon. Journal of Sustainable Forestry
Manuscripts submitted and under peer review
24. Chimi DC, Barnabas NN, Gadinga WF, Nyong PA, Kabelong B.L, Noudem. Biodiversity and carbon stocks regulation ecosystem services of bamboo in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Journal of Sustainable Forestry.
25. Kaam R., Barnabas NN, Tchamba M, Zapfack L, Chimi CD. Submitted. Aboveground allometries and carbon stocks of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. in Bimodal rainfall forest in Cameroon
26. Kaam R., Barnabas NN, Tchamba M, Zapfack L, Chimi CD, Tanougong Armand Delanot. Submitted. Assessing bamboo distribution to estimate carbon stocks and develop allometric equation for dominating species for climate combat in the Western Highlands of Cameroon: case of Phyllostachys aurea Riviére & C. Riviére.
27. Barnabas NN, Kaam R., Tchamba M, Zapfack L, Chimi CD, Tanougong Armand Delanot. Submitted. Allometric equations for the prediction of the biomass of Oxytenanthera abyssinica A. R. Munro. In the High Guinea Savannah of Cameroon
28. Barnabas, NN., Gadinga WF, Tchamba M N., and Chimi DC. Submitted. Non-Timber Forest Products’ exploitation and sale, strategic tool for Conservation: case of Takamanda National Park of Cameroon.
Working papers
Year 2022
29. Tchamba Martin, Barnabas NN, Rene Kaam, Chimi Cedric, Tanougong Armand. In press. Remote Sensing-Based Bamboo Mapping and Bamboo Stock Assessment in Cameroon. INBAR working paper. www.inbar.int
Year 2021.
30. Gadinga WF, Barnabas NN, Nyong PA, Chimi CD, (Under review). Heritage Tourism Development in Cameroon
31. Barnabas NN., Kevin E. Kaam R. Armand TD Cedric DC Gadinga WF & Princely AN 2021. Growth Potential and Sustainability of Economically Important Rattan Species in Agro ecological Zones of Cameroon. INBAR Working Paper; www.inbar.int
Year 2020
32. Barnabas NN, Chimi CD, Gadinga WF, Kaam R. 2020. Bamboo Policy Integration Analysis Cameroon, Central Africa. INBAR Working Paper. 84 p. www.inbar.int.
Year 2015
33. Barnabas NN, 2015. Collection, processing, storage and marketing of Bush mango in and around the Takamanda National Park, South West Region. Programme for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, South West Region (PSNR-SWR) Working paper.
INBAR Taskforce Working papers: Voluntary Guideline standards (VGS)
Year 2022
34. John Agbo Ogbodo, Kuki Kathomi Njeru, Muralidharan Enarth Maviton, Rene Kaam, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah 2022. Voluntary Guideline Standard for Certification of Bamboo Forests and Bamboo Plantations. www.inbar.int
35. Muralidharan Enarth Maviton, Rene Kaam, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah 2022. Voluntary Guideline Standard for Step -by-Step Guide to use of Bamboo for Landscape Restoration. www.inbar.int
36. Priyadarshini Karve, Rene Kaam, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah 2022. Voluntary Guideline Standard for Improved Charcoal Cook Stove Design and Construction. www.inbar.int
37. Rocio Diaz-Chavez, Rene Kaam, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah 2022. Commoditization of Bamboo as a bioenergy fuel in Africa. 44p. www.inbar.int
Year 2021
38. Abel O. Olorunnisola, Rene Kaam, Barnabas Neba Nfornkah, 2022. Voluntary Guideline Standard for Bamboo Charcoal Kiln Design and Construction. www.inbar.int
Conferences
39. Barnabas NN, Chimi CD, Gadinga WF, Kaam R. 2021. Bamboo Policy Integration Analysis Cameroon. Forest, Trees and Agriculture (FTA) Kumning Scientific Conference 2021, China.
40. Barnabas NN, Louis Z, Martin T, Cedric DC, Bonaventure S. 2018. A protocol to estimate epiphytes biomass in a forest management unit: case of Cameroon. Cameroon Forum for Biological Sciences (CAFOBIOS), Dschang Cameroon
Timeline
Project Technical Assistant
International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)
12.2020 - 06.2022
Forest and Climate Expert
Fokabs INC
12.2018 - 08.2020
Post Graduate Research
University of Dschang
01.2017 - 11.2020
Ph.D. - Natural Resources Management
University of Dschang
01.2017 - 04.2021
Student Research Intern
ENS Yaounde
08.2015 - 04.2016
Master of Science - Natural Resources Management
University of Dschang
01.2014 - 08.2016
M.D. - Biology Teacher Education
ENS Yaounde I, University of Yaounde
10.2009 - 07.2011
Bachelor of Science - Zoology
University of Dschang
10.2007 - 09.2008
BBA - Biology
ENS Bamenda
10.2000 - 07.2004
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