Evaluating the Role of Governance in the Management of <i>Prunus africana</i> (Hook.f.) Kalkman in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon

Abstract

One of the problems at the root of the poor management of forest resources in Cameroon is the lack of good governance. This study aims to evaluate the governance put in place by the government of Cameroon to ensure better management of Prunus africana. It takes a critical look at the three pillars of forest governance in relation to the management of the resource, which are: policy, legal, institutional and regulatory frameworks (1); planning and decision-making process (2); and finally the implementation, enforcement and compliance of regulations (3). The assessment was conducted using the guide recommended by FAO-PROFOR. Individual and focus group interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved in the P. africana management process. The results in the form of assessment scores revealed poor governance in the management of the resource. This is due to non-compliance with Pillars 2 and 3 on the planning and decision-making process as well as the implementation and enforcement of regulations through weaknesses in the principles of transparency, accountability, the effectiveness of management measures and stakeholder participation. These are the points on which management strategies should be based for better management of P. africana in the production forests of the Adamawa region.