Mezam Division Research Articles

Understanding the Influence of 21st Century Diverse Mathematics Educators on Secondary School Student Outcomes in Mathematics in Mezam Division, Cameroon

This study explores the influence of 21st-century diverse mathematics educators on student outcomes in secondary school mathematics within Mezam Division, Cameroon. Employing an ex-post facto research design, the study assesses how gender, cultural diversity, and pedagogical diversity among mathematics teachers affect students' academic outcomes. The sample consisted of 518 students from 16 public and private high schools, who had completed their General Certificate of Education (GCE) Ordinary Level exams and were transitioning to Lower Sixth. Data were collected via a self-designed questionnaire, which evaluated perceptions of the impacts of teacher gender diversity, cultural diversity, and pedagogical diversity. Statistical analyses, including one-sample t-tests, revealed that male mathematics teachers had a significant positive impact on student outcomes compared to female teachers. Furthermore, cultural diversity among teachers significantly enhanced students' mathematics outcomes, and pedagogical diversity had a substantial positive effect as well. The findings underscore the importance of balancing gender representation, fostering cultural diversity, and embracing various pedagogical approaches to improve educational outcomes in mathematics. Recommendations include implementing policies for gender-balanced recruitment, supporting cultural inclusivity, and promoting diverse teaching methods to optimize student performance in mathematics.

Analysing the Influence of Students’ Resilience on their Mathematics Academic Performance in Mezam Division, Cameroon

The main objective of the study was to analyse the influence of students’ resilience on their Mathematics academic performance in Mezam Division in Cameroon. The study adopted the causal comparative research design. The study was carried out using seven functional public secondary schools in Mezam Division for the 2023/2024 academic year, with first cycle students (Forms 1 to 5) constituting the population of the study. With the help of the Krejcie and Morgan Table, a sample of 368 students was drawn from an accessible population of 8813 first cycle students. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used to select this sample for the collection of data. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was vetted by three experts and its test-retest reliability index established as 0.87. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts, means, Pearson product-moment correlation, one sample t-test and regression analysis. The findings of the study revealed that students in Mezam Division exhibit significantly low resilient abilities in Mathematics. The findings also revealed that there is a moderate positive correlation (0.587) between students' resilience and their Mathematics academic performance. Furthermore, the regression analysis indicated that approximately 34.4% of the variations in students' Mathematics academic performance can be accounted for or predicted by their resilience. It was recommended that educators and policymakers need to focus on nurturing, developing and fostering students' resilient abilities through targeted interventions and teaching strategies.

The Effect of Women Empowerment on Poverty Alleviation in Mezam Division-Cameroon

Unequal opportunities between women and men continue to hamper women’s ability to lift themselves from poverty and gain more options to improve their living standards. Women are economically disadvantaged: for example, culturally, they do not own any property; girls are marginalized in education whereby some parents prefer to take boys to good schools and do not like to take girls to good schools. This study intends to examine the effect of various dimensions of women empowerment on multiple constituents of household poverty in the six-sub divisions of Mezam division. The primary data was gathered from a sample of 319 married and employed females who live in Mezam division. For analysis, the study develops its own all-embracing Women Empowerment and Household Poverty variables using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and examines the relationship between the empowerment of women and household poverty using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results show that women empowerment positively and significantly contributes towards household poverty reduction. The results of the study suggest that in addition to targeting poverty directly, policies should be devised that eradicate poverty through the empowerment of women.

Analytical Thinking and Mathematics Performance: Insights from Mezam Division, Cameroon

Analytical Thinking and Mathematics Performance: Insights from Mezam Division, Cameroon

Social Disengagement and Psychological Wellbeing of Aging Persons (60 Years and above) in Mezam Division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon

Purpose: This study investigated “Social Disengagement and the Psychological Well-being among Ageing Persons (60 years and above) in Mezam Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. In the past, care for the elderly was the responsibility of the family and the entire community (respect, care and affection traditionally reserved for them). Today, the elderly face social disengagement, coupled with financial insecurity. The majority of them do not benefit from any pension and for those lucky enough to have one, it is too paltry to allow them to live decently. Hence, this study investigated whether social disengagement affects the psychological well-being of ageing persons. Materials and Methods: The concurrent-nested mixed method research design was used in conducting the study whereby both quantitative and qualitative paradigms were used. A sample of 350 ageing persons was chosen for this study using purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Data were analysed following a triangulation approach in methodology, analytical process and statistical packages. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyse the data collected from the field. For descriptive statistics, measures of central tendencies such as the mean, measures of dispersion (standard deviation), frequency tables and percentages were used to answer research questions while the point biserial correlation test was used to compare relationships within the variables under investigation at 0.05 probability level. To verify the hypothesis, linear regression analysis was conducted at a 0.05 level of significance. Findings: From the data analysed, it was revealed that social disengagement significantly influenced the psychological wellbeing of ageing persons and accounted for 11.1% of its variance R2 =.111, F (1,328) = 40.966, p < 0.01. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: Based on these findings, some recommendations were made as follows; family members, the entire community, civil organisations and welfare services should get more acquainted to the aging by creating channels of interaction with them, respecting them, providing social support to them as well as caring and showing affection to them.

Patterns and Determinants of Undernutrition in Pre-School Age Children in the North West Region of Cameroon

Background and aim: Malnutrition is a major public health concern for children under five years. About 45% of deaths among children under five years globally are linked to undernutrition. The aim of the study was to to evaluate the patterns and determinants of undernutrition in pre-school age children in four Subdivisions in Mezam division of the North west region.

Morphological diversity of Ganoderma species and its host trees in Mezam Division, Northwest Region, Cameroon

Morphological diversity of Ganoderma species and its host trees in Mezam Division, Northwest Region, Cameroon

Disruptive Behaviour and Its Influence on Social Development of Students in Selected Secondary Schools: Implications for Counsellors in the Bamenda Ii Sub-Division North West Region

This study sought to examine the impact of parental control, home environment and counselling services on social development of students in secondary schools in Bamenda II Sub-Division. The sample was constituted of 215 students drawn from three secondary schools in Mezam Division. The purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the form five, lower and upper sixth students of the selected schools. Six counsellors in these schools were included in the sample. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted the disruptive survey design. A 15 item questionnaire was used to collect data. Percentages were used to calculate the raw score while chi square was used in testing the hypotheses, while the level of significance was set at p-0.05. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between home environment and students’ social development, there is a significant relationship between parental control and students' social development, and there is a significant relationship between counsellors' activities and students' social development. Based on these findings, some recommendations were made to students, teachers, counsellors, parents and school authorities on how to help improve on students' behaviour. Finally, some suggestions were made for further studies to be carried out in similar situations deemed necessary.

Video Games and Adolescents’ Deviant Behaviours in Selected Secondary Schools in the Bamenda Municipality in the North West Region of Cameroon

Aim: This study aimed at investigating the effects of video games on adolescents’ deviant behaviours in selected secondary schools in Bamenda municipality, in Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. The specific objective was to examine how video games affect adolescents’ deviant behaviors.
 Methods: The theoretical underpinnings of this study was informed by Albert Bandura’s (1997) Social learning theory, Hirschi's Social Control Theory (2002) and Roggers’ Innovation-diffusion theory (1995). The study employed the concurrent mixed method design whereby both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. A sample of 384 were randomly selected from five high schools located within the Bamenda Municipality in the North West Region of Cameroon. These schools were GBHS Bamendankwe, GBHS Downtown, GBTHS Bamenda, PCHS Mankon and SMASA Nkwen. A structured questionnaire and an interview guide were the main data collection instruments. Linear regression analysis was used to verify the effect of video games on adolescents’ deviant behaviours. The hypothesis was tested at the significance level of 0.05. The qualitative data obtained were analyzed using the technique of content thematic analysis.
 Results: Regression analysis shows that when video games increase by one unit, adolescents’ deviant behavior increases by 0. 572 unit.
 Conclusion: Given that this increase is significant with a p-value of 0.000, it is evident from the study that video games significantly affect adolescents’ deviant behavior.
 Recommendation: Adolescents should not spend most of their time using their ICTs gadgets to play video games rather they should use them to engage in more productive activities like personal research and to study. The government can equally put restrictions on/or block the download of game apps that are not beneficial to adolescents within its borders.

Government and Non-Governmental Organisation Led Agricultural Development Projects and the Accumulation of Social and Economic Capitals in Mezam, Cameroon

Government (GO) and Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) undertake agricultural development projects especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where agriculture-dependent livelihoods are predominant. Agricultural development has been accompanied by a theoretical debate vis-à-vis who is best placed to steer the process. Unfortunately, empirical evidence to refute or ramify the theoretical contestations are extremely limited. This article contributes to the literature by comparatively analyzing the effects of GO) and NGO–led agricultural development projects on social and economic capitals in Cameroon. Mixed methods were applied on stakeholders of four selected GO-led and four NGO-led development projects in Mezam division in the North West region of Cameroon, chosen due to its long history of having both GO and NGO-led agricultural development projects. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from randomly selected 180 beneficiaries, including 90 from GO and 90 from NGO projects, and 120 project staff that is 15 (2 top, 5 middle and 8 lower management) per retained organization. Recall was applied to construct before-after comparisons with interviewees, in the absence of baseline information. In-depth interviews and observations were done with selected project staff and beneficiaries, respectively. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Results show significant increase in the growth of social and economic benefits for respondents from both GO and NGO-led projects (p < 0.05), though higher for NGO-led projects. The study concludes that agricultural development by both organizational types can enhance social and economic development. Further studies are needed to ramify these results. Comparative analyses between project staff and beneficiaries can highlight any differences in them, in terms of perceptive and actual impacts of GO and NGO-led agricultural projects on social and economic capitals. Comprehensive assessments based on all livelihood capitals are recommended to ground these contentions.

The Impacts of Road Transport Infrastructure and the Socio-Economic Development in the Bamenda III Municipality, Mezam Division, North West Region Cameroon

Transport is a vital infrastructure that drives the socio-economic development around the world. This is the case with the Bamenda III sub division in Mezam Centre, North West Region of Cameroon. The development of transport infrastructure produces diverse impact on the socio-economic development. The research examines the role of transport infrastructure on the socio-economic development of that sub division. The aim of this study therefore was to assess the role of transport infrastructural development on socio-economic development in the Bamenda III municipality. The study used a survey design to collect and analyses the required data. Data collection was done using questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, observations and from secondary sources like text books. Chi square was used to test the hypothesis. The results show that road infrastructural development has played significant role in the socio-economic development in the Bamenda III municipality. Household in Bamenda III have different opinion on the role of transport infrastructure on socio-economic development. From the field observation, it was seen that majority of the respondent (89%) were of the opinion that transport infrastructure play significant role in the socio-economic development while a smaller proportion (11%) of the respondents were of the opinion that transport infrastructure does not play significant role. Transport infrastructure has play significant role in the socio-economic development some of which includes; improve social wellbeing through excellent production transport infrastructural development, reduces transport cost among others. There are some challenges faced by the transport sector in the Bamenda III municipality some of which include; traffic congestion, climate and poor drainage. Participants also propose some recommendations that could be put in place to reduce the challenges faced by the transport sector. Some of these recommendations include; traffic measurement measures, systematic and non-random construction of houses.

Agricultural Training and Livelihood Outcomes: Opinion of Farmers in Mezam Division in the North West Region of Cameroon

The objective of this study is to analyse the effect of agricultural training on livelihood outcomes of farmers in Mezam Division in the North West region of Cameroon. The data was elicited via a structured questionnaire administered on a sample of 381 farmers. Using cluster sampling approach, proximity villages were grouped into three clusters of Bamenda I, Bamenda II and Bamenda III, representing the 3 sub divisions in Mezam division in the North West region of Cameroon. Stratified random sampling was then used to select farmers to participate in the study. Data was analysed using ordinary least square and control function regression estimation techniques with altercation. The result revealed that agricultural training has a negative effect on the livelihood of farmers, due to factors such as lack of adoption of new farming method, inadequate training programs, and seminars, unsustainable practices such as usage of insecticides, pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Based on the findings, it is recommended to carry out a detailed study to find out why this negative relationship between agricultural training and livelihood outcomes exist. Qualitative approaches such as focus group discussion and in-depth interviews will provide the expected insights.

DRIVERS OF GENDER DISPARITY AMONG BENEFICIARIES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN CAMEROON

In spite of visible efforts, gender disparity still persists in development projects worldwide, with negative impacts on women’s participation, project outcomes, and sustainability. The growing literature on determinants of gender disparity in development projects is driven mainly by an individual projects agenda that does not generate knowledge of relevance for broad-based policy making at regional, national or international levels. This study explores gender disparity determinants among beneficiaries of development projects in Mezam division in the North West region of Cameroon. Primary data was collected from 450 beneficiaries of six randomly selected development projects in Mezam division, using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse socio-demographic characteristics of the sample, and a weighted linear regression model to identify determinants of gender disparity. 55% (250 individuals) were male, while 45% (200 individuals) were female. Statistically significant gender disparity was observed between respondents across various socio-economic variables, particularly, age, access to land, access to income, employment status, household wealth, access to credit, access to technology, and access to healthcare. The regression model identified household size, land ownership, financial status, access to information and communication technology (ICT), and exposure to crises as key drivers of gender disparity. Based on these findings, the study emphasizes the importance of gender mainstreaming as a key approach to addressing gender disparity among development projects in Cameroon. This can pave the way for promoting gender equality and inclusivity, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of development outcomes for men and women project beneficiaries in Cameroon.

Checklist of pests and diseases of fruits and vegetables in Bamenda, North West Region, Cameroon

Fruits and vegetables are an integral part of human diet attributed to their appealing flavour, taste, nutrients and health-promoting properties. However, in Cameroon, the agricultural system is constantly dealing with a decrease in fruit and vegetable yield due to diseases and pests’ infestation. The aim of this study was to identify diseases and pests of fruits and vegetables in farms and markets in Mezam Division. North West Region of Cameroon. A field survey was conducted in randomly selected farms in Mezam, Bamenda while a market survey was carried at Mile 3 Nkwen and the Bamenda food markets in December 2022 and January 2023 with the participation of secondary school Biology teachers as trainees. They were taught on the signs and symptoms of diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses on fruits and vegetables by plant pathologists while insect pests’ identification was taught by agriculture entomologists from the University of Bamenda. Pictures of infected vegetable and fruit parts were taken; host plant was identified and the pathogens causing disease was identified based on signs and symptoms and results presented on tables. Also, Infected vegetables and fruits samples were cultured in PDA and pure cultures were identified by use of cultural characters. Insect identification was done with the aid of photographs and by the use of a dichotomous key which was used to determine the orders of the different insect pests. High number of vegetables and fruits were found to be infected by fungi, bacterial and viral pathogens. The symptoms observed in farms and markets ranged from fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum on Passifora edulis, bacteria canker of Persea americana to leaf spot disease caused by Pleospora spp. on Talinum fruticosum. The insect pests identified were Dacus punctatifrons, Helicoverpa armigera, Podagrica spp., Bemisia tabaci and aphids. Some of these insect pests serve as vectors of plant diseases.

Perceptions of Agriculture by Elementary School and College Students in Mezam Division of North West Cameroon: A Qualitative Analysis

The study explored the perceptions of primary school pupils, secondary, and high school students in the Mezam Division of the North West Region of Cameroon. Existing literature points to declining youth interest in agriculture grounded on a largely negative perception of the sector, however, there is scant data on youth perception of agriculture in Cameroon. In the face of rising youth unemployment, there is a need to generate relevant data that can inform policies relating to youth entry and participation in the country’s agriculture. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 7 primary, secondary, and high schools respectively. The data were analyzed using the thematic approach, leading to the emergence of themes. The findings of the study indicate that pupils and students have largely positive perceptions of agriculture which are however not translated into high aspirations for career development in the sector, suggesting a need for targeted actions at various levels of the educational system. Further research that addresses perceived determinants of youth attraction to agriculture in the country, will contribute to informing youth-specific policy towards agriculture.

Challenges to Rural Infrastructural Development and Coping Strategies in Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon

Despite efforts made to improve rural infrastructural development over time, many rural infrastructural projects in the rural Mezam Division have remained of poor quality. This paperset out t make an evaluation of the challenges faced by the local population in the Mezam Division and the coping strategies they have adopted to cope with the rural under development. 260 questionnaires were distributed and 210 were obtained. 30 interviews were conducted with rural dwellers, NGOs, community-Based Associations, and state administrators three focus group discussions were organized with 8 members, bringing the total to 24 participants. Multivariate analysis was utilized to establish the framework for judging the quality of rural infrastructural projects and to identify the various coping strategies in the Rural Mezam Division.Data have been analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively; and have been presented on figures, tables, and photos.Findings revealed that rural infrastructure projects in the Rural Mezam Division are often implemented in challenging environments such as a poor administrative system, scarcity of skilled labour force, low institutional capacity, and high levels of mismanagement. The various development sectors such as agriculture, transport, education and health sectors are affected negatively which has led to rural underdevelopment. As such, the rural people who are the main beneficiaries of rural infrastructure have adopted different coping strategies in the different development sectors in order to sustain their lives. Furthermore, the paper holds that the way forward is for the ruralcouncils to be made autonomous so that they can raise revenue through taxes and use the finances for rural development.

ANALYSING INSTITUTIONS AND OTHER STAKEHOLDERS PARTICIPATING IN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN MEZAM DIVISION: NORTH WEST REGION – CAMEROON

This study analyses the participation of institutions and other stakeholders to the development of the local communities of Mezam Division. Methods: A field survey was conducted in some villages in the division such as Awing, Akum, Mankon, Bamendankwe, Nkwen and Bafut where primary data was collected from the local population on the identification and role of institutions participating in the development of their communities. This exercise was carried out with the use of semi structured interview guide to some resource persons like mayors, Fons, quarter heads, some elites from whom more data on stakeholders’ participation was gathered. Results: There is a rich institutional framework for local development in Mezam Division. Multiple institutions participate in local development in Mezam Division.

Teachers’ Level of Training on ICT and the Implementation of ICT Curriculum in Some Public Primary Schools in Mezam Division, North West Region of Cameroon

Purpose: This paper buttress the importance of training teachers on use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as one of the major boosters the government could support implementation of ICT curriculum in Cameroon public primary schools. This study examined teachers’ level of training on ICT and implementation of ICT curriculum in some public primary schools in Mezam Division.
 Methodology: The study employed a mixed method research design consisting of a cross sectional survey and an interpretive phenomenology. The sample was made up of 375 teachers and 72 head teachers who were teaching in public primary schools in Mezam Division. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistical tools and thematic analysis approach.
 Findings: The study found that teachers’ level of training on ICT has a positive and significant influence on implementation of ICT curriculum. In order to become confident users in the classrooms, teachers require extensive, on-going exposure to ICTs to be able to develop their ICT competences, evlauate and select the most appropriate resources. Not only does training aid teachers in the development of ICT competence, it equally helps teachers to recognise ICT as an essential teaching and an enabler of other teaching and learning practices.
 Conclusion: This study conclude that teachers’ level of training influences the implementation of ICT curriculum.
 Recommendations: The study recommend that teacher training colleges should ensure that the period given for practical implementation of ICT curriculum is proportionate to the period spent in class to acquire theory on the implementation of ICT curriculum. The study also recommend Ministry of Education as well as the Regional Pedagogic Inspectors for ICT to organize regular and practical in-service training with demonstration lessons that help teachers develop basic, intermediate and advanced ICT skills.

Recipes and Proximate Composition of Some Traditional African Nightshade Dishes Consumed in the North West Region of Cameroon

Purpose: The objective of this study was to describe the methods of preparation of African nightshade (Solanum scabrum) and to determine the proximate composition of the African nightshade dishes consumed by Cameroonians living in Boyo, Momo, Mezam and Menchum divisions of the North West Region.
 Methodology: The African nightshade used in the preparation of all the 25 recipes was purchased from the same farmer at kedjom ketingoh in Mezam division and the dishes were prepared at the laboratory of the College of Technonolgy – University of Bamenda (COLTECH-UBa).The 25 African nightshade dishes were then transferred to the Nutrition Centre for Research (CRAN) of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation Cameroon for proximate composition determination. The contents in dry matter, ash, crude proteins, total lipids, crude fibres and total sugars were determined by standard AOAC methods.
 Findings: The African nightshade dishes consumed are prepared from leguminous seeds : (egusi seeds and groundnut seeds), fluted pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, Irish potatoes and palm oil. The results obtained are expressed in percentage DW for ash, dry matter, proteins, lipids, crude fibres and Total sugars. The dry matter content ranges from (90.130g/100gDW to 95.626g/100gDW); ash content (9.301g/100g to 18.548g/100g), crude protein (16.7g/100g DW to 22.8g/100g DW), total lipid (7.50g/100g DW to 54.49g/100g DW), crude fibre (6.70g/100g to 20.10g/100g), Total sugars (0.64g/100g to 9.14g/100g). This study also reveals that a higher consumption of dishes made from leguminous seeds: egusi seeds, and groundnuts seeds such as “Scrubbed nightshade leaves boiled in egusi”, “Seasoned Mbas a sekoyn”, “Seasoned Mbas a mtsong mbi” and “English style with groundnuts” and low consumption of their complements will lead to a good nutritional balance. The study further reveals that the African nightshade dishes are good sources of proteins, crude fibres and poor sources of Carbohydrates.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: This study provided information on: the nutrient composition of African nightshade dishes consumed in the North West Region of Cameroon; nutritional data of this species of vegetable that will be useful for nutrition education as a means to improve the nutritional status of the population and also made available documented food composition database for reference by consumers, dieticians and researchers.

School-Community Relations and Secondary Schools’ Development in North West, Cameroon

Purpose: This study examined school-community relationship and government secondary schools’ development in the North West Region of Cameroon. It specifically, investigated how the relationship between school leaders (principals) and the school- host communities in terms of communication and leadership attitude, determined government secondary schools’ development in Mezam Division of North West Cameroon.
 Methodology: A mixed method, sequential explanatory design was adopted in carrying out the study. A sample size of 230 government secondary school stakeholders – made up of 200 school-host community members and 30 school principals were sampled from four government secondary schools in using the Krejcie and Morgan table of sample size determination. A structured close-ended likert-scale questionnaire for school-host community members and interview guide for principals were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics (in the form of frequencies, percentages, charts and tables) and inferential statistics (the two-way ANOVA and Regression analysis) were used in analysing the data to answer the research questions and test the hypotheses.
 Finding: The regression coefficient showed that when the principal has zero school-community communication strategy, government secondary schools’ development is at 27.315. Also, when principals’ school-community communication strategy increases by one unit, government secondary schools’ development increases by 0.235. This increase is significant as indicated by F (1,198) = 17.220 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.05). The regression coefficient revealed that when the principal has zero or negative school-community leadership attitude, government secondary schools’ development is at 30.553. However, when principals’ school-community leadership attitude increases by one unit, government secondary school development increases by 0.117. This increase is significant as indicated by F (1,198) = 8.074 with p = 0.005 (p < 0.05).
 Conclusion: School-community communication and attitude have positive effect on government secondary schools’ development.
 Recommendation: The study recommend government to adopt pertinent policy measures to motivate greater and inclusive community participation in secondary schools’ development in the region. The study also recommend school leaders to offer opportunities for refreshed in-service trainings on the effective management of school-community relationship on top of creating a positive attitude and working climate with host-communities. This is important considering the critical role of school-host communities and stakeholders in not only school but educational development as a whole.