East Region Of Cameroon Research Articles

Prevalence, Epidemiological, and Clinical Profile of Patients Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Tuberculosis in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Context in Health Facilities in the East Region, Cameroon.

Suspected cases of tuberculosis (TB) are identified for confirmation by bacteriological tests through clinical screening for TB in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) during routine visits or when antiretrovirals (ARVs) are dispensed. Our aim is to determine the prevalence and describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HIV-TB coinfected patients in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) setting in health facilities in the East Region of Cameroon. This study addresses knowledge gaps on HIV-TB coinfection during COVID-19, aiming to provide insights into the interaction and impact of HIV, TB, and COVID-19 on individuals' health. This was an observational study. It involved two retrospective cohorts of HIV-TB coinfected patients before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted manual reviews of the medical records and antiretroviral therapy (ART) and TB registers of 262 patients. These patients were coinfected with HIV and TB during the period from April 2019 to April 2021 in 11 health facilities in the East Cameroon health region. The sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the cases were extracted from the consultation registers and entered into the KoBo Collect application, then analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25. In this study of 262 HIV-TB coinfection cases, 60.3% occurred before COVID-19, and 39.7% during the pandemic. HIV-TB coinfection prevalence among HIV patients was 1%. Patients averaged 39.3 years in age, with a significant shift in sex ratios from 0.65 to 1.33 between pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 cohorts. Education varied, with 45.8% having secondary education, 44.8% with primary, 2.4% having higher education, and 7.1% having none. Most (78.9%) had professional occupations, and 53.7% lived in rural areas. The majority were newly diagnosed (96.3% before COVID-19; 93.3% during COVID-19), with 3.7% relapses and 4.2% discontinuing treatment. Most had pulmonary TB (84.9%) and were aware of treatment duration (94.6%). About 65.4% experienced treatment-related adverse events. Regarding family support, 69.3% received help with medication. However, the concern was 80.6% did not adhere to anti-COVID-19 measures. Gender was significantly associated with compliance. Most patients were on treatment, but a small percentage had discontinued it. Patients need to be made aware of the importance of complying with anti-COVID-19 barrier measures to prevent a potential worsening of the health situation. Moreover, clinical and biological monitoring needs to be stepped up throughout the course of anti-TB treatment.

Ethnobotanical study and vulnerability of medicinal plants used against the symptoms of COVID-19 in the Lomié subdivision, East Region of Cameroon

Science has advanced to the point that traditional medicine is now a useful instrument for treating a wide range of human ailments. Indigenous peoples and local communities (IPLCs) do not, however, have access to the contemporary healthcare system. As a result, they turn to biological resources, which are the only readily available and accessible means of treating diseases like COVID-19 and flu outbreaks. In response to worldwide illnesses, this study aligns with the perspectives of traditional knowledge of biological resources, particularly therapeutic plants. Therefore, this study was aimed to document the use of the potential of medicinal plants by IPLCs in the Lomié subdivision to manage COVID-19 symptoms. In four villages in the Lomié subdivision Ekom, Payo, Eschiambor, and Kongo, ethnobotanical surveys, including semi-structured interviews on traditional usage of plants against Covid-19 symptoms, were carried out with 80 participants in order to meet all of the study specific objectives. For every species, a vulnerability index was established in order to evaluate the species fragility. To analyze the data, both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. The findings show that the respondents are well aware of the symptoms of the COVID-19 and that gave them the ability to provide timely and efficient responses. The survey identified 43 species from 39 genera grouped in 28 families were used to treat COVID-19 symptoms, with bark being the most commonly used plant part (43.8%). Decoction was the most frequently used method of preparation (50%), and oral administration was the main route of administration (56.3%). Most of the plant species were harvested from secondary forests (44.2%), of which trees formed 48.8%. A total of 30 species were recorded to be vulnerable, with Entandrophragma cylindricum (Sprague) Sprague, Milicia excelsa (Welw.) Benth, Myrianthus arboreus P. Beauv., and Trichoscypha aborea (A. Chev.) A. Chev being the most vulnerable, with vulnerability index of 2.4. The results showed a strong non-causal relationship between vulnerability and the continuous and discontinuous explanatory parameters. The susceptibility of medicinal plants used to treat COVID-19 symptoms and the explanatory parameters had a statistically significant causal association, according to the binomial logistic regression model. In light of novel diseases like COVID-19, this study finds that traditional knowledge of medicinal plants is still widely held, especially among the indigenous and local population. It can also be very beneficial in the development of new medications for a variety of illnesses.

The Positive Impact of Foods Support on Loss to Follow Up Among Children and Adolescents on HIV Antiretroviral Therapy in a District Hospital in East Cameroon.

The pediatric HIV treatment coverage in Cameroon remains low at 35%. The high loss to follow up (LTFU) remains a major factor to this dismal performance which is related to the lack of implementation of effective interventions to improve retention in care. This study assessed the impact of foods support (FS) on LTFU among children and adolescents in a rural district hospital in eastern Cameroon. This was a retro-prospective study conducted in Abong Mbang District Hospital (ADH) in the East Region of Cameroon. We provided foods kits to children and adolescents initiated on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in this facility during the study and followed them up prospectively (prospective phase). On the other hand, using medical records, we collected retrospectively data for children and adolescents who enrolled on ART in the hospital prior to the study (retrospective phase). We then compared the proportions of children and adolescents LTFU before (no FS) and after (with FS) the study, using the Fisher's exact test, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazards model at 5% significant level. We found that with FS, the proportion of children and adolescents LTFU was 11 times lower (2.4% vs 26.7%, p=0.014), the mean time of retention in care was 30% higher (17 months vs 12 months, p<0.001) and children and adolescents who did not receive FS were 10 times more likely to be LTFU [aHR=10.3 (4.0-26.2), p<0.001)]. Foods support is an effective intervention in reducing LTFU among children and adolescents on ART. This intervention should be adequately funded to enable a large-scale implementation in the field. This could help to improve the outcome of pediatric ART coverage in resource-limited settings.

Mercury Exposure among Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Miners in Four Gold Mining Districts in the East Region of Cameroon

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the single largest intentional-release of mercury (Hg) in the world. In Cameroon, there is paucity of data concerning the contribution of ASGM to human mercury contamination. This study aimed at providing new data for a region in Cameroon where ASGM is practiced, through an assessment of the concentration of total mercury (T-Hg) in hair as a function of occupational exposure, and investigating symptoms related to Hg toxicity. A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed involving 60 gold miners from four gold mining districts: Batouri, Kette, Ngoura and Bétaré-Oya. Questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data, nature of work processes and symptoms of Hg toxicity. Scalp hair samples were drawn from all 60 respondents and analysis for total mercury (T-Hg) in hair was done via a milestone DMA-80 Mercury Analyzer. The results show that males (86.7%) were generally represented than females (13.3%). The minimum, maximum and mean concentrations of Hg in hair of miners across the four districts was 0 μg/g, 8.97 μg/g and 2.09±1.84 μg/g respectively. Over three-quarters (71.7%) of the miners had T-Hg in hair above the occupational toxic threshold of 1 μg/g set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), also identified as 66.7% in the “alert level” and 5% as “high” according the German Human Biomonitoring (HBM) Commission. The factors affecting the concentration of mercury in hair according to a multiple linear regression model (R2 = 0.400 and p = 0.03) were living in Bétaré-Oya, younger age, male sex, burning of amalgam, and increased number of working days per week. According to the same model (R2 = 0.076 and p = 0.940), the symptoms associated with mercury exposure were unusual tiredness, excessive sleeping, dizziness and visual difficulties. ASGM in the east region of Cameroon, therefore, is significantly contributing to Hg contamination in humans as a result of occupational exposures to Hg, and there is urgent need for interventions to mitigate human exposure, especially as adverse health effects cannot be excluded following long-term exposures.

Oral health delivery in refugee camps in East Region of Cameroon.

Oral health care affects the quality of life and plays an essential role in the general health of vulnerable populations especially refugees. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the quality of oral health care delivery in the Gado-Badzeré refugee camp in the Eastern region of Cameroon. We carried out a cross-sectional study between January and July 2020 using a structured questionnaire in French and translated orally to Fulfulde language. A total of 716 refugees from the Central African Republic with ages ranging from 6 to 81 years (29.3years ± 14.6 s.d), made up of 61.2% females, 378(52.8%) unemployed, 342(47.8%) married, 701(97.9%) Muslims, and 511(71.4 %) had no formal education participated. Oral health knowledge was significantly poor, 305 (42.6%) that consulted the health post for their oral health needs were not satisfied, 640(89.50%) had experienced toothache, 592(83.0%) needed restorative treatment, 709(99.0%) periodontal treatment and 215(30.0%) urgent needs like tooth extraction. There were no oral health facilities, no oral health personnel, no oral health outreach had ever been carried out in the camp, and oral pathologies were managed by nurses with medications. The quality of oral health care delivery in this camp was very poor. There is an absence of oral health workforce and basic primary oral health care facilities. Oral health knowledge was very poor and the treatment needs the refugees was very high.

Local Population Perspectives of the Ecosystem Services Provided by the Kebe Block Forest in the East Region of Cameroon

Local Population Perspectives of the Ecosystem Services Provided by the Kebe Block Forest in the East Region of Cameroon

Wind Speed and Power Density Analysis for Sustainable Energy in Batouri, East Region of Cameroon

Wind Speed and Power Density Analysis for Sustainable Energy in Batouri, East Region of Cameroon

Prevalence, correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasitic infection among children below 5 years living in the forest community of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon: A cross-sectional assessment.

In low- and middle-income countries, undernutrition often co-exists with intestinal parasites, especially Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) infections in children. The collective impact of both conditions result in undernutrition and can exacerbate the general poor health status of children. A cross-sectional survey of 422 mother-child (12-59 months old) pairs from 14 villages in the District of Ndelele, East Region of Cameroon, was carried out to assess the magnitude and correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites. Socio-demographic data were collected from mothers and anthropometric data were collected from children. Parasitological assessment was performed using a combination of direct microscopy flotation, sedimentation and centrifugation techniques. Correlates of undernutrition and intestinal parasites were identified using multinomial logistic regression at individual and household levels. 83.77% of the children assessed for undernutrition were undernourished and 66.82% were positive for one or more intestinal parasites. It was not uncommon for the study participants to be concurrently infected with two or more intestinal parasites. The most common intestinal parasitic infections detected in the study were A. lumbricoides, E. histolytica/dispar and Hookworm infection. Multinomial logistic regression using Nutritional status as outcome showed that, children who were not exclusively breastfed were 106% (RR = 2.06; C.I = 1.12-3.80) more likely to be underweight compared to those who were exclusively breastfed. The household size of 4 to 6 persons also significantly impacted wasting (p-value = 0.007) at 7% (RR = 1.07, C.I = 0.49-2.32). Analysis by a logistic regression model with STH infection as outcome revealed that, Fingernail cleanness (p-value = 0.044; AOR = 1.75; CI = 1.09-2.78) and household size (p-value = 0.038; AOR = 0.55; CI = 0.32-0.92) were positively associated with intestinal parasite infection at the 5% significant level. This study reveals that intestinal helminthic parasitic infections (STH) and undernutrition are serious health problems in children below five in the study area. To address this dire situation, concerted efforts are needed to improve sanitation, hygiene education access, community deworming programs, and improve diets.

Predictors and Facilitators of High Viral Load in HIV Positive Persons on Antiretroviral Treatment in the East Region of Cameroon

Viral load (VL) determination is the standard to assess the effectiveness of Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) in people living with HIV (PLWIV). According to Cameroon national ART guidelines, VL determination in PLHIV should be done after six months of starting ART and then every 12 months. Unsuppressed VL occurs when ARV’s fails to suppress viral load and is associated with decreased survival and increased risk of HIV transmission, morbidity, and mortality. A sequential and exploratory facility and community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 391 patients on first-line ART in public health facilities in the East region of Cameroon from January 2021 to January 2022. Structural questionnaires and a review of medical records were the data source of the study. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis, and Chi-squared (χ2) tests to explore the associations between outcome variables and the independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors and facilitators of high viral load at 95% CI and P &lt; 0.05 statistically significant level. Age, marital status, Occupation, food insecurity, switching regimen, and non-adherence were found to be the predictors of high viral load, while the distance from the clinic, medication side effects, substance use, poverty, missing clinical appointment or ARV doses, knowledge on ARV and health personnel attitudes were found to be facilitators. Unsuppressed viral load among PLWH in the East region of Cameroon is cause by predictors and facilitators. Therefore, need for targeted interventions for patients on ART who are at high risk of becoming virally unsuppressed. Keywords. Adherence, Anti-retroviral therapy, Enhanced adherence counselling (EAC), Suppressed, Unsuppressed, Viral load.

Analyses and Determinants of Land Use-Land Cover Dynamics in Dimako Sub-Division, East Region of Cameroon

The transformation of forested lands by human actions represents one of the great forces in global environmental change and one of the great drivers of biodiversity loss. Forests are cleared, degraded and fragmented through timber harvest, conversion to agricultural lands, and road construction amongst others. In this vein, this study aims at analysing land use-land cover changes as well as their determinants in Dimako. A mixed research design was used in this study with primary data obtained through the use of questionnaire, group discussions, key informant interviews and field observations in order to identify the various ways of forest exploitation. Satellites maps were downloaded and analysed with the aid of geographic information techniques to assess the extent of forest cover and land use changes in Dimako. The findings revealed a decreasing trend in forest cover change from 1986-2016 by 0.285% per year. Forest was found to be exploited by local populations and by industrial logging companies for NTFPs and timber respectively. Also, the major factors contributing to the fast disappearance of the natural forest were attributed to industrial logging, agricultural land expansion, the rising demand for tree products, and poverty which have severe negative repercussions on the human population and environment. The study recommended providing environmental education, afforestation or agro-forestry, increasing income of rural households, providing alternative form of fuel (energy), strengthening participatory forest management and community based organization initiatives, and strong law enforcement on the part of the government on those who illegally and indiscriminately exploit the forests.

Assessment of livelihood activities for conservation management in the Deng Deng National Park-Belabo Council Forest Conservation Corridor, East Region of Cameroon

Many local communities in Cameroon especially around protected areas survive through the exploitation of natural resources in the wild. This study was set out to assess the different livelihood activities carried out in communities located in the corridor between the Deng Deng National Park and the Belabo Council Forest. This assessment was a giant step towards the planning for effective conservation of biodiversity in the corridor. To achieve this, a household survey was conducted using the simple random sampling technique where each household was given equal opportunity of being chosen to take part in the survey. Surveys on hunting and Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) were conducted. During these surveys a total of 440 questionnaires were administered in 11 villages. The results revealed that agriculture, hunting and the collection or harvesting of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) were the major livelihood activities carried out by the local population. Most respondents (51%) farm sizes were between 0.5 to 3 hectares and crops cultivated were; cocoyams, plantains, potatoes, cassava, groundnut and maize. A total of 69% of the population were engaged in the collection and harvesting of NTFPs such as njansang (Ricinodendron heudoloti), bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), bitter cola (Garcinia kola), colanut (Cola nitida). A majority of respondents (97%) collected the NTFPs for consumption and sale. It was shown that 53% of the collector earned at least 100,000XAF to 200,000XAF per year. With respect to hunting, a majority of respondents (87%) hunt for sale and consumption while 11% hunt just for sale. The studied communities depend highly on the forest and this has led to loss of biodiversity through habitat loss and fragmentation. Thus, adequate conservation management strategies are very instrumental for the improvement of biodiversity and livelihood in the corridor.

Assessment oftrace elements pollution andtheir potential health risks in the cobalt-nickel bearing areas of Lomié, East Cameroon.

A study of trace elements pollution in the cobalt-nickel mining area of Nkamouna-Kongo (East Region of Cameroon) and their intimation to the risk of human exposure was carried out. A large spatial variability of concentrations was observed in the geochemical analysis of the trace elements in the thirty samples investigated. Trace element pollution in the investigated samples was assessed using the Regional Screening Level calculator of Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the collected sample were analyzed using a SPECTRO XEPOS Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence analyzer (ED-XRF). The trace element concentrations in the analyzed samples followed the following order: Fe > Cr > Mn > Zr > Ni > Ba > Rb > Cu > Zn > Sr > Ga > Pb > Co > Rb > As > Sn. The averages of trace elements contamination factors followed a decreasing order:: Cr > Ni > Fe > As > Co > Cu > Zr > Ga > Pb > Mn > Zn > Y > Rb > Ba > Sn > Sr. Enrichment factor studies revealed that chromium (Cr) was severely enriched (indicating that Cr is the main element of the anthropic load) while elements such as Ni, Ba, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, and Pb were moderately enriched. The associated health risk of human exposure was investigated using the Regional Screening Level of Environmental Protection Agency. It was found out that the carcinogenic risk to the exposed population from ingestion is high (2.5E-03), while the dermal risk is moderate (7.08E-04) and the inhalation risk is low (2.50E-07). The total non-carcinogenic risk from trace elements exposure for adults (HI = 1.5) and children (HI = 1.47E + 01) indicates that non-carcinogenic effects may occur in the vicinity of the study area.

Prospects of hydropower for electricity generation in the East Region of Cameroon

Currently, households in the East Region of Cameroon (ERoC) depend solely on fossil-fueled plants to meet their energy needs. Fossil fuel-based sources are a major drain on public finance in addition to being a key contributor to the increase in carbon footprints. Alternatively, the ERoC is blessed with a hydropower potential estimated at around 620.37 MW, with a production potential of 5.36 TWh per year. However, despite its favorable candidates’ sites, hydropower resources are yet to be harnessed in the ERoC. Hence, the need for a thorough assessment of hydropower potential is necessary in order to increase stakeholders’ awareness and interest in attractive hydropower resources. This paper evaluates and highlights the hydropower potential of seven selected locations in the ERoC and contributes to constituting a database for the stakeholders of the hydropower resources for electricity generation. Specifically, hydrological data, mean flow rates and mean volume contributions on each site’s river basin are explored. Furthermore, the present work highlights optimal regulation ratios, nominal flow rates, producible energy, investment costs as well as other useful parameters for projected hydropower plants for the seven selected locations in the ERoC. The results display a cumulative projected capacity of 582 MW, of which 19 MW from Zoukoumanbale, 18 MW from Colomines, 53 MW from Zoulabot, 297 MW from Nki falls, 129 MW from Yenga, 35 MW from Bangue and 124 MW from Ngoila. Moreover, 3 929 GWh are projected cumulative producible energy for the selected locations. Investment costs estimates of hydroelectric plants range between 2 964 € per kW (for Colomines) and 3 002 € per kW (for Bangue).

English

Cocoa is a major cash crop in Cameroon, where its production and export contributes significantly to the national economy and in poverty alleviation. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (cAFS) have been recognised as a fair strategy for natural resource management, combining both the agricultural and conservation objectives. This study aims to (1) assess the diversity, (2) analyses the floristic and structural characteristics as well as (3) the dendrological features of the (Exploitation Agricole Betti) (EAB), a cAFS vast of 120 ha, located in the East region of Cameroon. Cocoa and associated tree species were counted in 21 sampling plots of 0.25 ha systematicaly settled all over the system (EAB) between 28 August and 22 October 2016. A total number of 3 147 stems was recorded and distributed in 2,599 cocoa trees and 548 associated trees. The overall diversity of the system is low. The density of the cocoa trees is 495.0 stems/ha, correponding to a success rate of 44.6%. The EAB is attacked by the black pod disease. The average Pod Rot Attacked Index (PRAI) is 0.35 &plusmn; 0.38; and this varies significantly according to the associated trees density and the season. Further studies should aim to (1) identify different cocoa varieties planted in the system, (2) identify correctly all the pests and diseases of the system, (3) assess the impact of associated tree thinning and cocoa tree Pruning on the pests or diseases attack and on the cocoa production, and (4) to explore the usage of associated trees in the system. This with the view to come out with a fair model cFAS to use in tropical humid forest zones. &nbsp; Key words: Exploitation Agricole Betti, cocoa, success rate, associated trees, density, stand basal area, dendrological features, Black pod disease, Pod Rot Attacked Index.

The Developmental Factors of Identity Strategies Variation among Schooled Central African Adolescent Refugees in the East-Region of Cameroon

The present study poses the problem of the variations observed in the construction of identity strategies among schooled adolescent refugees. It starts from the observation that the latter express serious difficulties to be integrated into their host socio-cultural environments. Yet proximity to their original culture should guarantee continuity in the emergence of developmental skills initiated in their basic anthropomorphic universe. Paradoxically, they become dysfunctional in face of the demands of the host environment, and require the construction of identity strategies to adapt. Data collected from one hundred and eighty-four (184) central African refugee adolescents in the Lom-and-Djérem Division (Cameroon’s East-Region), show that in a situation of socio-emotional adaptation, age and sex are among the main factors of variation in the construction of these identity strategies.

Conflict-induced Refugee Crisis and its Consequences on Access to Primary Education: An Analysis of the case of Central African Republic (CAR) Refugee Children Living in the East Region of Cameroon

Cameroon currently hosts around half a million refugees from conflict affected neighbouring countries such as Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR). This article focuses on the rights to basic education in terms of access and enrolment for CAR refugee school-aged children who reside in the East Region of Cameroon. Based on a qualitative research approach and a combination of secondary and primary data, powered by a theoretical framework of analysis that is informed by the Rational Choice Theory of human behaviour; International Relations Theory of forced migration and refugees and the Global Public Policy Theory of international problems, the study arrives at important findings and conclusions. The study finds out that the educational challenges of CAR refugee children are multifaced and complex. Many have traumatic experiences and disrupted education. Moreover, they are tasked with adapting to a new educational system and culture. These factors among others have all interacted and intermingled to negatively affect CAR refugee children’s access to primary education in terms of enrolment and girls are excessively more disadvantaged. With this outcome, the paper concludes that the issue of poor access to education of refugee children is not merely due to dysfunctional organs of governments or the combination of challenges unfolded in this article but it is also a result of the ‘exclusionary impulses’ vis-à-vis the phenomenon of ‘refugee as the stranger other’ in many parts of the world, and such a state of affairs no doubt works against inclusionary policies advanced in many international conventions and instruments that give more attention to the protection of these vulnerable groups; thereby consolidating the fact that there are ambiguities and critical limits to the international solidarity policy of Refugee Protection. Hence, as a way of contributing to evidence-informed policy alternatives, the paper argues that any action towards a sustainable solution must be rights-based, person and human security-centred and tailored towards addressing the dual challenge faced by the refugee child: the helplessness of being a child and the complex challenges of being a refugee.

The Consequences of School Dropout in the Kadey Division of Batouri; East Region of Cameroon

The agenda for sustainable development 2030 has been established and approved by the general assembly of the United Nations in 2015. This agenda includes 17 goals adopted by several countries to promote the development of local communities by tackling and reducing the consequences of school dropout. The continent of Africa through the agenda 2063 endorses different aspirations that have to be met by the year 2063 to minimize the consequences of school dropout, which would lead to a peaceful and protected Africa. The Cameroon Vision 2035 also defined a practical vision of long-term development in the country of Cameroon founded on the eradication of the consequences of school dropout. However, school dropout remains a reality worldwide and generates several consequences which drastically impact the lives of people. It is on this evidence that this research work aimed at exploring the consequences of school dropout in the Kadey Division, East Region of Cameroon. This study refers to the qualitative research method using the subjectivism ontology and the inductive approach. The epistemology is interpretivism and the axiology is value-bias. The research also employs interviews as the sampling strategy, and 20 respondents gathered in 4 focus groups representing the educational stakeholders of the Kadey Division have volunteered to participate in these interviews. Data were analyzed through the various coding of the grounded theory including open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The social, education, and economic consequences of school dropout were identified as well. Parents and educators must acknowledge that school failure has this particularity that it penalizes a child for the rest of his life. Any student who stops his studies before having completed his secondary school or vocational training has fewer opportunities to grow within the society. This study recommends that the community stakeholders in the Kadey Division, East region of Cameroon must work collaboratively on minimizing the consequences of school dropout to contribute to the sustainable development of this locality

Valuation of Non Timber Forest Product in Cameroon: Case of a Community Forest in the East Region

The collection and sale of non-timber forest products (NTFPSs) is a major source of income for households around community (CF) in Cameroon. Although, the importance of NTFPs in sustaining livelihood and poverty smoothening in rural communities, they are highly depleted and poorly conserved. Indeed, the forests where NTFPs are harvested are becoming depleted due to unsustainable exploitation of timber and NTFPs, lack of financial resources to protect the forest and this is threatening the livelihood of those households. To address this issue, sustainable harvesting practices must be adopted and financial resources must be mobilize by households holding the CF. Therefore, this study applied the contingent valuation method by estimating the average willingness to pay (WTP) and the minimum price the households are willing to pay to protect NTFPs. Sixty household surveys from eight villages were undertaken at Morikouali-ye CF in the East Region of Cameroon. To estimate the average WTP for NTFPs sustainable management at the CF level, the study use the logit model and for the minimum price the households are willing to pay, the Turnbull estimator was used. Our findings showed that, the average WTP is 6845.2861 FCFA per household each year and 570.440 FCFA per household each month. Furthermore, the minimum price the households are willing to pay to protect the forest product is 4940 FCFA per household each year and 411.667 FCFA per household each month. The fact that households are willing to pay to protect forest product like NTFPs reflects the high importance of the NTFPs in their daily lives: nutrition, income and health. Therefore, to enhance NTFPs sustainable harvest methods among CF households, it is important to mobilize financial resources, organize and teach NTFPs sustainable harvest methods. Improve traditional use of the forests and promote alternative plants for the same uses should be considered as part of conservation strategies. Moreover, it is suggested that incentives like financial resources should be giving to CF forest protection team members to be more actively involved in sustainable harvest monitoring.

Governance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Djansang (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ricinodendron heudelotii&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Wild Mango (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Irvingia gabonensis&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) and Its Influence on the Livelihood of Rural Communities of Yokadouma in the East Region of Cameroon

The objective of the study is to contribute to the sustainable governance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) (Djangsa and Wild mangos) on rural livelihood of communities surrounding the rainforest in Yokadouma. The economic potential of Non-Forest Timber Products (NTFPs) and its influence on rural livelihood and development has made it a constant national and international policy debate. However, Cameroon policies and institutional Legal framework is inconsistent with the exploitation and valorisation of these important rural livelihood activities. This study was carried out in Yokadouma in the East Region of Cameroon between February and July of 2020. Respondents were drawn from a cross-section of NTFPs exploiters and marketers. Data was collected through the administration of semi-structured questionnaire design with the aim to answer the research objective. During the recognisances survey, 172 persons concerned in these activities were identified within the 09 villages in the Yokadouma division. Out of these 172 identified persons involved in this economic sector, 165 were interviewed accounting for 96%. Data analysis was done in SPSS version 21 software. Results showed that the NTFPs sector is organized by 02 actors within the value chain who are the producers and retailers. Economic analysis of value chain revealed that producers were able to make 272,780 and 322,367 FCFA per person per season form djansang and wild mangos respectively. The constraints to sustainable management of NTFPs are the gradual disappearance of these tree species, instability of the production cycle, and stumpy involvement of economic operators in the processing chain, the harassments linked to inadequate legislation and the absence of standard measurement units used by retailers of these products. If NTFPs is well managed, it will create jobs and contribute to the economic development and subsequent improvement of livelihood of these rural communities.

Financial Inclusion, Community Capacity Building and Pro-Wildlife Conservation Behavior around the Northern Periphery of Dja Biosphere Reserve, Cameroon

The study examines the contribution of financial inclusion and community capacity building on pro-wildlife conservation behavior among rural households at the Northern Periphery of Dja Biosphere Reserve, the east region of Cameroon. The data were elicited through the survey questionnaire administered on a sample of 279 households involved in the program of conservation in the areas. The study used a cluster sampling approach in grouping proximity villages into four zones and a purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the households. The objective was achieved empirically using three-stage maximum likelihood estimation techniques; factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The result shows that financial inclusion and community capacity building had a significant positive effect on pro-wildlife conservation behavior. The magnitude of the effect of financial inclusion on pro-wildlife conservation behavior was even larger than the magnitude of the effect of community capacity building. The findings suggest that financial inclusion and community capacity building had the tendency to reduce the decline in wildlife stocks as it promoted friendly behavior towards wildlife and its habitats. The study, therefore, recommends policies that support financial inclusion and community capacity building that are essential for sustainable conservation since it promotes pro-wildlife conservation behavior.JEL Classification: G20, O15, Q57