Sector In Cameroon Research Articles

Do Quality Standards Affect the Growth of the Fisheries Sector in Cameroon?

This article aim’s to assess the effect of quality standards on the growth of the fisheries sector in Cameroon. Cobb-Douglas function, the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation method and the stationary test (Augmented Dicky Fuller and Phillip Perron tests) were employed. In the light of the results obtained, we noted that in the short term, the quality standards are negatively and significantly correlated with the growth of the fisheries sector in Cameroon, but in the long term, we observed a positive correlation. Indeed, a 10% strengthening of quality standards is accompanied by a decrease in the growth of the Cameroonian fisheries sector of about 8.61%. Faced with the demanding nature of quality standards and with a view to making the fisheries sector efficient and attractive in the long term, we recommend that the public authorities implement a national strategy based on effective and relevant management of human and financial resources, aimed at supporting fisher folk on one hand, and on the other hand, improving the quality of institutions.

Positive Influence of Certification on the Financial Performance of Cocoa Production Models in Cameroon

Cameroon plans to double its cocoa production in the coming decade in line with international requirements for sustainable and deforestation-free cocoa. Private certification, which has developed considerably in recent years, should help achieve this objective. Based on a literature review and 63 individual interviews with farmers, we identified four archetypes of cocoa production using the criteria of plantation size, degree of shade, and support from public or private extension services. We analyzed the average operating accounts of the four archetypes. Our findings show that the net profit rates obtained by small-scale certified producers are 14% (in the savannah zone) and 24% (in the forest zone). These rates are much higher than for the other two production models. Certification schemes provide technical and financial support, which has a positive influence on the practices of many small-scale producers and compensates for the lack of public services, which are now almost non-existent. A hybrid governance of the cocoa sector in Cameroon could clarify and improve the organization of the interactions between public regulation and private certification systems.

PERCEPTIONS AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES FOR CLIMATE CHANGE FROM SMALL RUMINANT FARMERS IN NORTH-WEST CAMEROON

<p><strong>Background. </strong>Climate change is affecting the livestock sector in Cameroon particularly in the small ruminant sector. It is therefore essential to have information on the perception and adaptation strategies of farmers in order to improve animal production. <strong>Objective.</strong> The objective of this study was to determine perceptions and adaptation strategies to climate change from small ruminant farmers in Northern Cameroon. <strong>Methodology. </strong>113<strong> </strong>farmers were interviewed using questionnaires. The study was conducted from January to March 2018 in the Mezam division, North-West Region of Cameroon. <strong>Results. </strong>This survey revealed that small ruminant husbandry is practiced mostly by men (88%) with an age between 40 to 60 years (44%), married (71%) and with primary school education (40%). More than half of the surveyed farmers worked in both animal husbandry and agriculture (63%) as main activities and had between 6 to 10 years of breeding experience (32%). Most of them were not trained (72%) and more than half (53%) desired to be trained in all aspects of husbandry. Livestock were mostly purchased (88%), 61% had goats and 35% had sheep. Most (72%) farmers perceived climate change in the past decade and the majority (43%) identified deforestation as the main cause. Farmers observed a rise in temperature (41%) and a drop in precipitation (36%) and 63% did not practice any adaptation strategies to climate change on their herd. The majority (46%) of farmers perceived that climate change could be tackled with reforestation. Despite these constrains, 67% of the surveyed farmers wished to continue this activity by increasing their herd sizes.<strong> Implications.</strong> Surveyed farmers have noted a rise in temperature and decrease in precipitation in the past decade, which are believed to be major indicators for climate change. The farmers strongly think that climate change can be tackled through reforestation and education on the impacts of climate change. <strong>Conclusions.</strong> Overall, it appears that most of the surveyed farmers of Mezam division North-West region have perceived that climate change is related to deforestation. However, they do not practice any adaptation option on their small ruminant herds.</p>

Relational governance, equity and social spill-over of agricultural value chains: Cotton case in Cameroon and beyond

It is often claimed that cotton production is of significant economic and social importance in the French-speaking African countries (FSACs) but indicators of socio-economic impact are often not precisely measured, not based on updated data, and equity concerns are usually not addressed. Studies of the cotton value chains in Africa seldom account for the impacts of governance on value creation and income distribution. This paper showcases the relationship between governance and equity within the cotton sector in Cameroon in the 2017–18 season, through the concept of relational governance. It was found that the studied cotton chain was well-suited to the notion of relational governance. The interlinking between the key stakeholders (cotton company, cotton producers and their representative bodies, the State) was materialized by a combination of several types of coordination in which contracts prevailed, state intervention was kept minimal and market coordination restrained to the domain of interaction with the world market. Producer organizations were contractually compensated for performing many tasks that were traditionally completed by the cotton company Overall, the governance rules were favourable to the incomes of farmers, regardless of farm size and resources. The governance of the cotton sector in Cameroon, while not optimal in terms of equity, did lead to remarkable social impacts in villages through support to children’s education and the provision of cash credit to the most needy. The study findings could be valid for other FSACs because of similar governance measures and little local valuation of cotton fibre. This paper points out the policy implication that a relational governance model should be promoted in most agricultural value chains in Africa. In the specific case of the cotton value chains in Cameroon and FSACs, the involvement of donors in the enhancement of relational governance should result in improved social impacts from cotton production.

Demography and electrical energy in the economy of large Cameroonian cities

This article shows that Cameroon remains the second hydroelectric potential of Africa after the Democratic Republic of Congo. Started in the 1950s and developed in 2001 by the national policy, strategy and action plan for energy efficiency in the electricity sector in Cameroon with the construction of hydroelectric dams and thermal power plants, the result of this policy Slow is the persistence of difficulties in supplying electrical energy, which leads to continuous load shedding on the one hand, and the limits linked to supplies in a context of increasing urbanization (2.5%) on the other. Although the correlation between population growth and energy consumption remains present for economic growth in cities, the rate of GDP is 5.77% and remains constant among other things, from the energy crisis in all cities of the country.

Agro-industries in Cameroon and Welfare-related Services to Non-labourers in Operational Neighbourhoods: The Case of the Cameroon Development Corporation and the Societe Camerounaise de Palmeraies, 1968 - 2019

The agro-industrial sector in Cameroon remains an important part of the country’s life wire as it produces for both local consumption and export thereby bringing revenue to the country and contributing to the welfare of its citizens. While attention is often drawn to production, the role of labour and the subsequent exportation of raw materials, very little attention is accorded to the auxiliary activities of agro-industrial complexes such as the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) and the Societe Camerounaise de Palmeraies (SOCAPALM) towards the socio-economic advancement of the areas or neighbourhoods in which they carried out their operations. This paper accordingly, focuses on the contribution of two important agro-industries in Cameroon, the CDC and SOCAPALM, in the socio-economic welfare of the populations in the vicinities in which they operated. Using a historical method of analysis, it reveals that several persons or groups (non-labourers of the companies) benefitted, and in some instances, even more than the labourers, because of their proximity to the companies’ estates and installations.

Determinant of University Students’ Choices and Preferences of Agricultural Sub-Sector Engagement in Cameroon

Although the agri-food sector has a huge potential to offer attractive employment opportunities for Africa’s burgeoning youth, a negative perception of agriculture persists among Cameroonian youths, such as in many other African countries. The paper assesses the determinants of university students’ choices and preferences for agricultural sub-sector engagement in Cameroon. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 550 students from two state universities. We used the SWOT analysis to evaluate students’ perceptions of challenges and opportunities within the agricultural sector in Cameroon, the binomial probit analysis to assess the determinants of students’ choices of agriculture as a university major, and an ordered probit analysis to evaluate the determinants of students’ preferences of agricultural sub-sector engagement. Findings reveal that choice of agriculture as a university major is significantly determined by sex, pre-university farming experience, pre-university academic background, mother’s level of education, and household income. Likewise, preference of agricultural sub-sector engagement is significantly determined by the student’s level of study and location of a childhood home. Improving the attractiveness of, and working conditions in, the agricultural sector could increase youth engagement in agribusiness and rural economic activities. The results also reinforce the need to increase household income in Cameroon, as this could lift families out of poverty and offer them more economic opportunities. Policies that regulate levels of education can equally be used to allocate human resources into different agricultural sub-sectors, subject to felt needs.

Looking into the performance-based financing black box: evidence from an impact evaluation in the health sector in Cameroon.

Performance-based financing (PBF) is a complex health systems intervention aimed at improving the coverage and quality of care. Several studies have shown a positive impact of PBF on health service coverage, often coupled with improvements in quality, but relatively little is known about the mechanisms driving those results. This article presents results of a randomized impact evaluation in Cameroon designed to isolate the role of specific components of the PBF approach with four study groups: (i) PBF with explicit financial incentives linked to results, (ii) direct financing with additional resources available for health providers not linked to performance, (iii) enhanced supervision and monitoring without additional resources and (iv) a control group. Overall, results indicate that, when compared with the pure control group, PBF in Cameroon led to significant increases in utilization for several services (child and maternal vaccinations, use of modern family planning), but not for others like antenatal care visits and facility-based deliveries. In terms of quality, PBF increased the availability of inputs and equipment, qualified health workers, led to a reduction in formal and informal user fees but did not affect the content of care. However, for many positively impacted outcomes, the differences between the PBF group and the group receiving additional financing not linked to performance are not significant, suggesting that additional funding rather than the explicit incentives might be driving improvements. In contrast, the intervention group offering enhanced supervision, coaching and monitoring without additional funding did not experience significant impacts compared to the control group.

The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on employment in Cameroon: A general equilibrium analysis.

This paper presents a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model that assesses the impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on different economic sectors in Cameroon. A special feature of the CGE model used in this study is that it accounts for the importance of the informal sector in Cameroon. Indeed, more than 80% of the employed work in the informal sector, which is characterized by the precariousness and instability of income and employment over time and space. Simulation results suggest that economic sectors such as construction, education, hotels and restaurants and commerce should receive special attention, as they have experienced the most severe employments losses. This calls for a differentiated support from the government to protect employment in these industries.

The Effects of Work Stress on Employees Performance in the Banking Sector of Cameroon: Case of NFC Bank PLC Cameroon

The overall issue of stress management in National Financial Credit (NFC) Bank in Cameroon is so essential that it plays a critical role in ascertaining and ensuring a stress free financial services industry. It is the ultimate dream of every employer to have a stress free job environment. Thus having the right attitude to execute the job in order to increase productivity has not always been the case. The purpose of this study was to establish the relationship between the effects of work stress and job performance in the Cameroonian banking sector. Specifically, the study sought to explore the views of employees at National Financial Credit Bank regarding the issue of stress, its impact on employee performance and its management. Descriptive survey design was adopted as the most appropriate design for the study. The purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to select all the heads of departments in the bank and the other bank employees for the study respectively. A sample of 50 respondents participated in the study. A questionnaire was designed based on a five point-likert Scale used in data collection. Five causal relationships were hypothesized and findings show that there was significant and positive correlation between employee performance and Work stress. Organizational level stress and group level stress as a mediating variable between individual level stress and work performance have a positive statistical significant effect on the performance of workers. This can be seen in table 13 (harmonized test of hypotheses) where the P_value for the stated hypotheses are significant within a 99% confidence interval level. The limitation of this study is that it was purely a quantitative based study. Future research should focus on using qualitative approaches to give an in-depth understanding on the causes of stress, the effects of stress and how stress management strategies can be designed to work. This study can offer useful information and insights for clarifying certain corporate concepts and can help to shape the development of future theory as well as the procedure for data collection and testing.

Fluctuation in Coffee Production and Implications for Development in Noni Sub-Division

Coffee cultivation is one of the main economic activities which is carried out by most farmers in some rural areas in Cameroon and it is a major source of livelihood. Over the years, the prices of coffee in the world market have been descouraging. Using primary and secondary sources of data, focus group discussion, this study investigates coffee cultivation in the Noni Sub-Division from the 1990s to 2014. It also looks at the general trends in coffee production in the Noni Sub- Division from 1990 to 2014. The results reveal that the cultivation of coffee in the area has been strongly affected by the low prices of coffee in the world market as well as the liberalization of the coffee sector in Cameroon. The study equally revealed that the socio-economic development of Noni Sub-Division strongly depends on the cultivation of coffee though the development is often affected by the low prices of coffee. The formation of Cooperative Societies in lagging areas, the stabilization of prices by the government and training of farmers will go a long way in improving on the coffee sector in this region and Cameroon as a whole. Keywords: Coffee Production, Fluctuation, livelihood, Development, Noni Sub-Division DOI: 10.7176/JEES/11-2-07 Publication date: February 28 th 2021

Assessing Green Policies for the Rehabilitation and Sustainable Restoration of Mine Sites in Cameroon: Case of the Mayo-Darlé Mine Site, Adamawa Region

Mining is not without negative consequences for the environment. It is appropriate for each concerned state, particularly Cameroon, to adopt and implement mining laws and regulations to reduce environmental risks. The former Mayo-Darlé mine site in the Adamawa region that has been abandoned for several decades is a striking example of the limitations and lapses of national environmental protection policies. Hence, this study outlines an inventory of features in the concerned mine site while analyzing green policies related to the mining sector in Cameroon. The study attempts to modelize the socio-economic and environmental impacts in the sustainable management of the Mayo-Darlé mine site. The study proposes the prescription of a green network to encourage artisanal sustainable practices within mining fields. This “eco-sustainable" strategy shall be specific to mine site development. The implementation of measures outlined in the proposed policy shall considerably improve environmental conditions around the mine site. This involves the establishment of a rehabilitation plan and realistic restoration of the Mayo Darlé site for good preservation of the environment.

Impacts of Job Stress and Overall Compensation Benefits on Employees’ Job Satisfaction with Moderation Effect of Leadership: An Empirical Study in the Telecommunication Industry of Cameroon

Background: Nowadays, existence of self-motivated and efficient human resource is a key issue of great importance in the telecommunication industry. Considering that human resource in an organization is significant resources, steps should be taken to find the strong and weak points in enhancing the operation of increasing efficiency in the firm. Moreover, job satisfaction has been considered one of the important factors in the provision of superior performance and high quality services at the telecommunication industry. Problem: Considering the telecommunication industry that is one of the primary industries in the poor performing sector of Cameroon. An industry is growing at high speed by adopting unfair practices. Operators are not satisfied with the current government regulations towards issuance of SIM’s and the imposition of XAF 3.5 billion fine. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the impacts of job stress (JS), work environment (WE), overall compensation benefits and pay (OCS), leadership, and moderating role of leadership on employees’ job satisfaction (EJS). Method: A quantitative method was employed in the sample size of 515 responses. A technique of random sampling was used to select the respondents. Data was collected through a field survey by using a closed-ended questionnaire. The analysis was done through SmartPLS 3.0. Results: The results have supported the hypothesized model. Indeed, findings proved a significant relationship between JS, WE, OCS, leadership, and EJS. Leadership significantly moderates the relationship between JS, WE, OCS, and EJS. In particular, job JS has adverse effects on EJS. Originality/Value: This paper helps the executives of telecommunication industry how to lessen the job stress and increase the level of job satisfaction. This paper has implications for practitioners and researchers interested in examining the moderating role of leadership on employee’s job satisfaction. As well as work environment plays a critical role in the satisfaction of employees.

A description and explanation of the complex landscape of faith-based organisations in Cameroon’s health sector

ABSTRACT Over the past decade, donors have engaged faith-based organisations (FBOs) in health system reforms and health programmes in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Cameroon. Little knowledge is available concerning the types of FBOs that exist in the health sector in Cameroon. This article describes the complex landscape of Christian FBOs operating in Cameroon’s health sector and provides an explanation for that diversity. It reflects on the implications of the use of the “FBO” acronym in Cameroon and argues that the FBO typology discussion is still relevant.

Forecast of electricity consumption in the Cameroonian residential sector by Grey and vector autoregressive models

Cameroon is highly growing in energy as a whole, and in electricity in particular. This growth is expected to increase within the next years, thanks to the current emergence as well as the country’s major projects. Therefore, mastering electricity demand in the residential sector is one of State’s priorities. In fact, this falls under the development plan of the electricity sector by 2025. Therefore, this paper highlights the forecast of the electricity consumption regarding the residential sector in Cameroon. The new GM(1,1)-VAR(1) hybrid model which is based on the VAR and Grey models, is used for this purpose. Results from the new model show that the previsional GM(1,1)-VAR(1) model is strong and reliable, just like some recent and modern hybrid models. Electricity needs of the residential sector by 2025 are estimated at 2641.632 GWh, with a 1.628% MAPE, and a 15.42 RMSE. Consequently, the new hybrid model should be a reliable previsional tool that makes it possible to monitor the evolution of electricity demand of the residential sector in cameroon.

A Critical Analysis of the Impacts and Benefits of Mobile-Telecommunication Sector in Cameroon

A Critical Analysis of the Impacts and Benefits of Mobile-Telecommunication Sector in Cameroon

Assessment of the potential for electricity savings in households in Cameroon: A stochastic frontier approach

Promoting cost-effective energy efficiency actions is an important objective for many countries, as this appears to be one of the ultimate and effective strategies to ensure reliable access to energy while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As this is a key challenge facing developing countries, assessing the potential for energy savings in households appears as a crucial action to be considered by local policymakers, given the growing importance of residential electricity demand and the difficulties they face in managing the supply/demand balance of electricity. The literature review reveals a shortage of knowledge on residential electricity consumption behaviours in sub-African developing countries. Noting this gap, an energy demand frontier function is used to assess the potential for electricity savings in the residential sector in Cameroon, taking as a case study. The result showed that: households have an average efficiency of 62.4% with a range of 71%, which implies a significant potential for reducing electricity consumption. Rural households emerged more efficient than urban households. The study also clarify the potential for demand management at the household level which confirms that the efficiency level varies according to technical and social standards. This assessment is the very first of its kind in Cameroon.

Effect of Two Fungicides on Mycelial Growth of Fungi Causing Leaf Blight and Wilt of the Rubber Plant (Hevea brasiliensis Muell Arg.) in Cameroon

Rubber (Hevea brasiliensis Muell. Arg., Euphorbiaceae) is a tropical tree crop mainly grown for the industrial production of latex. The rubber sector in Cameroon is faced with the effects of global economic crisis and a drop in the yield of latex due to several pests and diseases. This study focused on leaf diseases caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Pestalotiopsis microspora. The fungi were isolated from the leaves of the rubber plant and cultured for characterization on two media (Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Potato Carrot Dextrose Agar (PCDA)) at various temperature and pH levels. Using the poison food technique, an in vitro assay was done to assess the effect of two fungicides (Synthetic Fungicide 1 (SF1) and Synthetic Fungicide 2 (SF2)) at the respective doses of 0.006, 0.013 and 0.025 g.L-1, and 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02 g.L-1 on the growth of the two fungi. Results obtained show that PDA is most favourable for the growth of both fungi compared to PCDA. Both fungi attained optimal growth at pH 7 and at an incubation temperature of 25 oC. Neither F. oxysporum nor P. microspora grew on SF1-amended PDA and PCDA at all doses of the fungicide. SF2 significantly (P>0.05) inhibited the growth of P. microspora by 53.3% at the dose of 0.025 g.L-1 while F. oxysporum was less sensitive to the fungicide at all doses. In vitro pathogenicity test revealed similar disease symptoms as those observed in the field. This study shows that SF1 is the best fungicide against F. oxysporum and P. microspora as it gave 100% inhibition on the growth of both fungi.

Government Compliance with Public Procurement Policy and Performance of Construction Enterprises in Cameroon: A Micro Panel Modelling Approach

This paper aimed to investigate the implication of government compliance with public procurement policy for the performance of enterprises operating in the construction sector in Cameroon. To achieve its objectives, the paper made use of a micro panel collected with the help of structured questionnaires. The Pooled OLS and the random versus fixed effects models were used for the analyses. Findings revealed that the contract winning rate of construction enterprises increases monotonically over the period under study. While the performance of construction enterprises stagnated over the period 2013-2016, it only witnessed a drop in 2017 and 2018. The pooled OLS and the Random effect regression results revealed that government compliance with payment duration of construction enterprises’ bills positively and significantly affects the performance of construction enterprises in Cameroon. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government could consider redressing the policies on the regular and prompt payment of enterprises’ bills within the timeline specified in the contracts to enable them meet up with their financial requirements, thereby contributing to their overall performance.

A Critical analysis on the Challenges and Impacts of Mobile- Telecommunication Sector in Cameroon

A Critical analysis on the Challenges and Impacts of Mobile- Telecommunication Sector in Cameroon