Abstract
Boosting knowledge through awareness raising is important in shaping on why, what, when, where, who and how one can benefit from community forest (CF) resources. Based on this assumption, this study assessed how awareness raising has influenced community participation in community forestry in South West Cameroon, with reference to two case studies. A total of 60 participants selected purposively were involved in this study and primary data was collected using interview guides, focus group discussions and field observations. Repondents’ awareness was categorised into five main themes: formation awareness, management committee awareness, management process awareness, rights awareness and benefits sharing awareness. ALAST.ti 5 was used for data analysis and the results revealed that local community members were poorly informed on how the CF came into existence, the main people involved in their management, how they were being managed and on how they could access and benefit from them. Thus, since local community members were less informed, they were unable to participate meaningfully to implementation. In this line, the study argues that for inclusive participation to be enabled in CF implementation in Cameroon, there is an inevitable need to ensure that all intended beneficiaries are well informed on the concept. We recommend that policy interventions should consider strategies that will commit CF managers and other stakeholders to ensure the full awareness of all participants. There is also a need to motivate public debates and research on how local awareness and participation can be sustainably achieved.
Highlights
Biodiversity conservation projects and programmes most often interfere and in some cases threaten the livelihoods of the local inhabitants where there are being implemented (Chowdhury & Ahmed, 2010; Nkemnyi et al, 2013; World Bank, 2007)
ALAST.ti 5 was used for data analysis and the results revealed that local community members were poorly informed on how the community forest (CF) came into existence, the main people involved in their management, how they were being managed and on how they could access and benefit from them
Using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and field observations, the findings of this study argues that local community members are poorly informed on how the CF came into existence, the main persons involved in their management, how they were managed and on their rights and benefits from CF
Summary
Biodiversity conservation projects and programmes most often interfere and in some cases threaten the livelihoods of the local inhabitants where there are being implemented (Chowdhury & Ahmed, 2010; Nkemnyi et al, 2013; World Bank, 2007). Forests are natural resources as well as public goods that need to be managed in the interests of local, regional and global posterity (Yufanyi Movuh, 2013). Despite these arguments, scholars have argued that nature conservation and management has recently done less to support indigenous rights and to facilitate interventions that improve livelihood support (Büscher & Dressler, 2007; Dressler et al, 2010; Yufanyi Movuh, 2013).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
