Local Inhabitants’ Opinion of Timber Logging on Livelihoods: The Case of Yabassi Sub-Division in Nkam Division of Cameroon

Abstract

The local community of Yabassi Sub-Division abound the forest. The forest of Yabassi Sub-Division is vast and rich with biodiversity of varied species. The local inhabitants adjoin the forest and depend on it for livelihoods. The main objective of this study is to assess the opinion of local inhabitants of timber logging on their livelihoods in Yabassi Sub-Division in Nkam Division of Cameroon. The primary data for this study was obtained through the administration of 300 questionnaires in 4 villages in Yabassi Sub-Division such as Sollé, Dimbong, Ndjanga and Nkokom. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents. The quantitative technique of analysis was used in this study with the descriptive statistics that included frequency tables and percentage. The findings reveal that the forest of Yabassi Sub-Division has encountered timber logging activities that determine livelihoods. The findings also reveal that the forest is relevant to livelihoods especially the non-timber forest products that is important to the livelihoods of the local inhabitants. The study recommends that the timber logging companies and other stakeholders should implementation and follow-up corporate social responsibility. Timber logging companies should ensure the well-being of the local inhabitants by promoting sustainable forest management during timber logging and reforestation after timber logging.