Dr. Eyole Nganje Monono is a Cameroonian academic, policy expert, and development practitioner with over a decade of experience in sociological and anthropological research, civil society leadership, and African Union-level policy advocacy. He currently serves as Program Director at CEREDDA (Centre for Research on Democracy and Development in Africa) and lectures at the University of Buea, where his work focuses on issues of land governance, food security, democratic participation, and social development. His interdisciplinary expertise spans agricultural policy, land restitution, food safety, and governance frameworks, with a consistent focus on empowering communities and reinforcing civil society engagement across the continent.

Areas of Expertise:

• Sociology and Anthropology of Development
• Land Governance and Restitution
• Food Safety & Public Health (Aflatoxins Research)
• Democratic Governance and Civil Society Engagement
• Peacebuilding, Gender Equality, and Institutional Reform
• African Union Governance Processes (ECOSOCC, APSA, PACA)

Academic Background & Research Contributions:

As a researcher and lecturer at the University of Buea, Dr. Monono has contributed to a wide range of academic publications and community-based studies. His scholarly contributions include:
• Land Conflict and Restitution Co-authored research on land disputes between Bulu Village and the University of Buea, offering insights into historical grievances, legal mediation, and institutional responses. • Mental Health & Higher Education
Conducted sociological research on student adjustment and social anxiety within university settings in Cameroon. • Food Safety and Aflatoxins
Contributed to a national study on aflatoxin contamination, under the framework of the Partnership for Aflatoxin Control in Africa (PACA), proposing risk mitigation strategies to strengthen public health standards.

Publications

• Book: The Cameroon Development Corporation Banana Sector 1949–2016 (2024)
This monograph analyzes the history and development of Cameroon’s banana export sector, the role of the CDC, and the socio-economic impacts of ACP–EU trade partnerships.

• Peer-reviewed Articles and Policy Briefs:

Covers themes including land tenure, social integration in academic settings, PACA-aligned aflatoxin control, and development policy.

Policy Engagement & Leadership Roles

• CEREDDA (Centre for Research on Democracy and Development in Africa) As Program Director, Dr. Monono leads research and advocacy initiatives on democratic governance, development, and community participation. He is responsible for designing capacity-building programs, guiding research teams, and overseeing public policy outreach.
• African Union – ECOSOCC (Economic, Social and Cultural Council) As a member of ECOSOCC's 4th General Assembly, Dr. Monono represents civil society interests in high-level AU consultations. His key contributions include:
o Participation in peacebuilding and advocacy training across conflict-affected regions
o Involvement in the AU Model Law on Gender Equality development process
o Engagement in continental tax governance dialogues on illicit financial flows and transparency
o Inputs into African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA IV) through CSO forums

Affiliations

• Member, Alliance for Green Africa Gender and Rural Development (AGAGRUD)
• Member, African Union ECOSOCC General Assembly
• Program Director, CEREDDA
• Research Affiliate, PACA (AUC-led platform on aflatoxin control)
• Lecturer, University of Buea

Languages:

• English (Fluent)
• French (Proficient)

Nationality:

• Cameroonian