Well-managed forests are major sources of livelihoods for the fringed communities. However, the remoteness, inaccessibility of most forested areas coupled with conflicts from adjacent forest communities, who often depend on it for livelihood is a daunting task in implementing conservation, viz-a-viz the Sustainable Development Goals. The Mt Oku forest is a unique, remote but represents novelty in forest management in remote areas in Cameroon, with devolution of management rights. The forest is well noted for its high level of endemism. This study is focused on the legal, institutional, socioeconomic and regulatory framework put in place, for appropriate conservation and livelihood sustenance as forest management rights were devolved to the local community. A multidimensional framework guiding the development of testable hypothesis that assesses the relationship between the forest users' activities and forest degradation, which have a multiplier effect on the SDGs, was used. The alternate livelihood options/strategies and benefits after the institution of the Forest Management Project (FMP) was examined in randomly selected frontline and secondary villages. Selected Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and registers from FMIs aided relevant data collection. The results indicated a significant relationship (χ 2 = 0.65.4, p = 0.00) between the activities of forest users and forest degradation. Adopted alternate livelihood strategies/options include, direct employment, tourist guides, bee farming, agricultural intensification, agroforestry, capacity building for skill acquisition, selective exploitation and sales of Prunus spp. Forest regeneration strategies ranged from, forest guards, removal of exotic species, forest enrichment, raising nurseries, fire tracing, etc.
Forests provide adjacent communities with livelihood opportunities; during periods of uncertainty, shocks and stress, indigenous knowledge is used for alternate livelihoods. This study focused on the use of indigenous knowledge by local communities in the creation of agro-forestry alternatives amidst conservation programs in the Mount Oku Forest, North West Region, Cameroon. Based on frontline and secondary villages, three communities were randomly selected from the three tribes (Nso, Kom, and Oku) that make up the forest region. Selected Participatory Rural Appraisal tools were used to collect relevant data. Resources extracted from the forest were ranked; trees extracted from forest and planted in farms were identified, farm produce before and after the practice of agro-forestry was assessed. The paired sample t-test was used to test differences between agricultural productions from farms and livelihood opportunities before and after agro-forestry practices. The results indicated that there was a positive and significant difference (p < 0.05) in agricultural production and livelihood opportunities, viz-a-viz forest cover. Though there was diversification in livelihood opportunities, the lack of incorporation of basic scientific approaches of agro-forestry was a major limitation. There is need for a blend of indigenous and scientific knowledge and training of farmers, in the practicing of agro-forestry practices for forest sustenance and livelihood assurance in the Mt Oku area.
The Green Revolution, which promotes the extensive use of chemicals for improved productivity has witnessed enormous setbacks. Numerous small poorly equipped and very low-income farmers are unable to gain access to the new production means. As their income opportunities shrink, farmers are left with no options but to tend towards unsustainable activities that depletes the environment more; consequently precipitating the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation characterized by, rising food prices, food security and energy crises. This study used the modified institutional analysis and development framework on the waste recycling approach to review the model for achieving agricultural productivity and energy sufficiency on marginal lands in the Ndop plain North West Region of Cameroon. It specifically analyzed the food and energy benefits alongside potential uptake by small-scale farmers. The results indicated that agricultural waste recycling provided improved market access; generate employment; increase income -increase purchasing power; improve household nutritional security and close the poverty gap (inequalities) Foncha and Asongwe; JABB, 20(2): 1-8, 2018; Article no.JABB.47273 2 amongst the rural poor in the community. Student t-test revealed a significant difference (t=-3.08, P=0.006) of farmers' livelihood before and after commencing agricultural recycling. Engaging in agricultural waste has enabled 8.5% of farmers to improve their livelihood and enhanced energy efficiency. Original Research Article
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