IngentaConnect Actors, options and the challenges of forest management in anglop...

Abstract:

Natural resources, especially the forest provide a means of livelihood to rural communities in most developing countries. Unfortunately these resources are under the threat of disappearing because of high population growth rates and poverty that characterise these communities. Any attempt by development agencies at conserving these resources is tantamount to depriving these rural areas of their survival base. Yet due to its strategic socio-economic and cultural importance, the forest ecosystem needs to be sustained for future generations. This paper examines the various challenges faced by the State and other conservation agencies in natural resource management and the possible options which can be employed in an effort to ensure a sustainable exploitation of the forest in Anglophone Cameroon. It discusses the efforts of these actors, within the framework of the emerging concept of community forestry, local community strengthening and integrated rural development. While highlighting some of the achievements of international NGOs like Bird Life International and World Wide Fund for Nature in the region, the study concludes that the future of sustainable management of forest resources relies on a holistic poverty alleviation approach that takes into consideration the empowerment of these communities. This will ensure that they participate and benefit from the exploitation of the resources in the form of local development.

Keywords: local communities; natural resources; community forest management; NGOs; poverty; sustainable rural development; anglophone Cameroon

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1023/A:1026042621101

Affiliations: 1: Department of Geography, University of Yaounde, Cameroon 2: Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Buea, Cameroon ( ), Email: lotsmart@yahoo.com

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$42.00 plus tax

Actors, options and the challenges of forest management in anglophone Cameroon