Sector In Cameroon Research Articles

Hydrological Studies for the Assessment of Run-of-River Hydropower Potential and Generation over the Wouri-Nkam River using GIS and Remote Sensing Techniques

Cameroon has several renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. With the liberalisation of the hydroelectric energy sector in Cameroon, rural communities are yet to feel the impact. Small Hydropower projects should have been developed to curb the acute shortage of electricity within these localities and beyond. This is not the case yet. It is in this respect that this study is carried out: to assess the hydropower potential of the Nkam Division and environs and propose sites for the development of hydroelectricity. Geographical Information System, Remote Sensing techniques, and hydrological models (HEC-HMS) were used. Grid analyses were carried out on the Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) using the Watershed Modelling System software to delineate the catchment basin with the sub-basins. Digital Soil and Land use data were obtained from the Harmonised World Soil Data and World Land use Data respectively, which together were used to calculate the Composite Curve Number in QGIS for the various sub-basins. The curve numbers together with other hydrological parameters were used to develop a HEC-HMS deterministic hydrologic model for the catchment basin. The resulting model was calibrated and validated in HEC-HMS, using precipitation data obtained from the localised Yabassi weather station and discharge values from a gauging station at Yabassi. The calibrated peak discharge produced an absolute error of 3.4% and a Nash-Sutcliffe value of 0.301. The hypsometric curve presents a hilly landscape, with 40% of the surface area having elevations of between 10 to 30 m, favouring the development of small scale hydro systems. The RETScreen software was used for the hydro-energy analyses and the estimated potential power, for a hydraulic head of 20 m, stood at 13,813 kW. The values of the Benefit-Cost Ratio value of 1.3 and the Net Present Value greater than zero show that the project is very practical and profitable. It follows that Small and Medium Run-of-River Hydropower Plants can be developed from the Wouri–Nkam Reach, the significant reach in the river network of the Catchment Basin, with an estimated compensation flow of 133.17m3/s for ecological continuity. The project will reduce about 27,064.8 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Impact of Artisanal Gold Mining on Human Health and the Environment in the Batouri Gold District, East Cameroon

Abstract There is no Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) system for the mining sector in Cameroon, and miners are exposed to numerous health and safety risks inherent from Artisanal Gold Mining (AGM) activity. Also very few studies have addressed the health problems in AGM in Cameroon. This study seeks to create an awareness of the health and environmental issues surrounding the mining sector in Cameroon so as to foster its development. It was a cross-sectional, observational, and communitybased study involving 273 respondents from three different communities. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect data. OHS risk assessment was conducted through direct observation and inspection of five different workplaces. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of mercury and lead. Gold miners in Batouri are exposed to the risk of physical injuries, respiratory conditions, diarrheal conditions, psychotic disorders, dermatophyte infections, helminthic infestations, malaria and musculoskeletal problems. The most common health problems among miners are musculoskeletal disorders (35.6%), malaria (26.4%) and hernias (14.9%), while malaria (18.7%) and musculoskeletal disorders (15.4%) are common among stakeholders. The mean blood mercury and lead levels among miners is 2.27 ± 8.85 μg/L and 12.73 ± 32.73 μg/L respectively, and 9.1% of them are chronically intoxicated with mercury, reporting ≥ 4 symptoms possibly related to mercury intoxication. The major environmental problems are deforestation, land degradation, water pollution, air pollution and water-logged pits. AGM in Batouri, therefore, has a negative impact on human health and environmental sustainability.

Education and labour supply inequality in the informal sector: the case of Cameroon

This paper estimated the effects of education on labour supply inequality in the informal sector. For this purpose, it used quantile regression and data from the national institute of statistics of Cameroon. The results indicate that labour supply decreases with education in the informal sector. Indeed, the effects of education on the labour supply is as follows: primary education −0.054; lower secondary education −0.083; upper secondary education −0.18; and tertiary education −0.34; no level of education is the reference. It appears that, labour supply of unqualified employees of the informal sector in Cameroon is very high. For this reason, the government should promote transition from informal sector to formal sector by encouraging private sector to create more jobs for skilled workforce. The government could also use media to spread information on the benefits of formalization of employment.

Cocoa Exports of Cameroon: Structure and Mechanism of Operation

The aim of this paper is to study the cocoa market in Cameroon over the period 2000 to 2016. The study consisted in presenting in a general way the organization, structure and operating mechanisms of the Cameroon cocoa market, particularly the value chains from family farmers to final consumers through exports; it also allowed us to highlight some issues and prospects for reviving the cocoa sector in Cameroon. It shows that Cameroon, like most cocoa-producing countries, also faces many difficulties not only externally, but also because of the international environment (the volatility of the prices of export products), internally through implemented policy measures, their consistency and phasing, as well as their deadlines. Starting from the liberalization of the sector in the early 1990s to the devaluation of the CFA franc in January 1994, a relative stagnation of the country’s agricultural performance has been noted so far. The problem is therefore not only institutional and structural but also cyclical. With regard to domestic marketing, the government’s option of a return to stabilization will reaffirm the place and the role of the State in the management of the sector. As far as external marketing is concerned, to remedy this, the government option consists of setting up a state-controlled advanced sale system through the centralization of sales and the monitoring of their quantitative execution. However, for a development of Cameroon’s artisanal, semi-industrial and industrial cocoa processing industry, we need strong support and protection of the local industry in order to attract foreign investors and encourage local initiatives, with accompanying measures that make cocoa processing more profitable in Cameroon as in other producing countries.

Co-designing win-win partnerships between agro-industries and smallholders in the palm oil sector in Cameroon

Description of the subject. To boost the development of the national palm oil sector, one of the most promising moves for the Cameroonian government would be to improve partnerships between agro-industries and smallholders in order to increase the latter’s plantation yields and oil extraction rates. Objectives. Drawing on successful experiences in Southeast Asia, this paper examines the conditions for establishing a win-win partnership between agro-industrial companies and smallholders in the Cameroonian palm oil sector. Method. The study was carried out in three production basins in the Centre and the Southwest regions of Cameroon where such partnerships were initiated before the collapse of the National Aid Fund for Rural Development (FONADER) in the 1970s. In participatory workshops involving at least twelve stakeholders (palm oil producers, artisanal and industrial millers, intermediaries and agricultural extension services), the participants' knowledge was integrated together through individual and collective reflection, with a guarantee of equal expression and consideration of views. Two workshops followed a strict adaptation of Participatory Prospective Analysis (PPA); a third followed a semi-directed participatory approach. Interactions between participants produced definitions of the systems studied and the variables involved, different plausible future scenarios, and recommendations for decision making. Results. Access to technical and managerial capacity building, terms of the contract, access to shareholding in the company by smallholders, and legalization of the terms of the contract emerged as the major items that would influence a sustainable partnership between agro-industries and smallholders. Conclusions. Participatory derived recommendations show that long-term partnerships between agro-industry and smallholders depend on a negotiated contract agreement between the partners to ensure transparency and trust. In addition, a dedicated smallholder department in charge of village plantations within agro-industrial companies can facilitate communication between partners.

Perception of CSR by SME Managers: A Contextualist Analysis in the Forest Industry Sector in Cameroon

Perception of CSR by SME Managers: A Contextualist Analysis in the Forest Industry Sector in Cameroon

Operational Measures Taken for the Authorization of X-ray Generators Used in the Medical Sector in Cameroon.

The use of x-ray generators for diagnostic radiology in the medical sector in Cameroon, Central Africa, is wide spread and on the increase in recent times. Regulatory control of x-ray machines used in medical sector has been achieved in the Littoral Region of Cameroon by means of notification and authorization systems, routine inspections, and enforcement programs. Quality control of x-ray equipment is performed to test the components of the radiological system and verify that the equipment is operating satisfactorily before issuance of the authorization with a validity of two years. The Licensee has the responsibility to conduct internal QC of their own x-ray equipment to insure their safe use and quality care to patients. After a 2-y period, the authorization shall be renewed and a new quality control is carried out. Because Cameroon is a developing country, second hand x-ray machines are imported and radiation exposure control is required to ensure protection of workers, patients, and the public by measuring physical parameters of the x-ray generators and imaging devices at the time of commissioning. Forty-five x-ray machines located in the Littoral Region of Cameroon are considered. The authorization/registration program is implemented in the whole country, but the considered x-ray machines were identified because of the high number of medical examinations due to patients and workers to whom the annual routine medical examinations are required by their employers. Is appears by the present study that around 45% of x-ray machines are inappropriate for diagnostic radiology. Based on their state of operation, enforcement measures are taken to maintain them or to prohibit their use. Appropriate training of staff under ionizing radiation is part of the effort to develop the necessary awareness about safety culture. The acquired knowledge and skills ensure the required protection and safety at workplaces.

Technical Efficiency of Manufacturing Firms in Cameroon: Sources and Determinants

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the determinants of efficiency in manufacturing firms in Cameroon. The study used a stochastic frontier model employing RPED data of 319 firms from different manufacturing industries. The data are micro-level which is the most adequate type of data used in the estimation of these models. The model used is that outlined by Battese and Coelli (1995) which determines the causes of inefficiency in the manufacturing sector in Cameroon. The estimates of the stochastic production frontier with inefficiency effects model indicates that firms in Cameroon exhibit various degrees of technical inefficiency for the sample of firms considered. The results show that firm size plays an important role in explaining technical efficiency in the sub-sector of food processing. However, large firms reduce technical inefficiency levels of firms in all the sub sectors. Another important variable which has an effect in determining technical efficiency level is the foreign ownership variable. It is significant in food processing, wood processing, textile and garments as well as in the overall sample. Hence, it increases technical efficiency in all the sub-sectors. Finally, since an increase in age of firms leads to a reduction in efficiency levels in manufacturing firms, policies should be adopted to replace the existing capital in the large firms.

Microfinance accountability in Cameroon: a cure or a curse for poverty alleviation?

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to use empirical findings to identify the different forms of accountability practices existing in Cameroon microfinance institutions (MFIs) and explore how such practices have evolved and institutionalised within the microfinance sector in Cameroon through time.Design/methodology/approachThis study is designed to investigate if the institutionalised accountability practices within the microfinance sector in Cameroon are a cure or a curse for poverty alleviation. This study is based on the new institutional sociology (NIS) and on a case study approach and combines in-depth interviews and secondary data sources.FindingsThis study identifies three principal forms of accountability practices common with MFIs in Cameroon: dysfunctional, manipulative and dribbling accountabilities.Originality/valueThis paper is novel because it extends the NIS into the microfinance sector and explains how conflicting institutional pressures resulting from differences of accountability practices can be resolved and also exposes the unintended consequences of both resistance and passive actions of local actors on microfinance, the poor and poverty alleviation.

An analysis of Cameroon’s energetic system, 2001–2010

ABSTRACTCameroon is a poor country aiming to become an emerging country in horizon 2035. The energy sector is one of the key factors for economic growth. This article aims at analyzing the energy sector in Cameroon, taking into account energy potential, the energy structure and current energy policy in the sector. In spite of its high energy potential, the results show that accessibility, availability and affordability of energy are the main factors hindering energy development in different economic sectors of Cameroon. Thus, little progress has been made in improving energy supply due to a number of reasons, especially poverty.

Water Crisis and Options for Effective Water Provision in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas in Cameroon

ABSTRACTAbout 58% of inhabitants of Sub-Saharan Africa, including Cameroon, have no access to potable water. The water sector in Cameroon has undergone restructuring in the wake of public-sector reforms and privatization. This article examines the extent to which privatization of water management has impacted on water crisis in peri-urban areas. It is framed within the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of reducing by half the proportion of people without access to portable water by 2015 and on the neoliberal argument for the privatization of public goods. Primary data emanate from interviews conducted among local inhabitants and public and water authorities of five purposively selected municipalities. Findings suggest that privatization of the water sector has not improved the water problems of peri-urban inhabitants. Inhabitants are experiencing water shortages, rationing, poor coverage, and high pricing, as investments in infrastructure lag behind the rising demand for the utility. In the prevailing circumstances, public–private partnership presents a possible alternative for Cameroon.

Assessment of Sustainability Indicators of Thermoelectric Power Generation in Cameroon Using Exergetic Analysis Tools

In this paper, we evaluate the performance and sustainability indicators of various thermal power generation technologies in Cameroon using the exergy analysis tools. For this purpose, on the basis of data from the International Energy Agency (IEA) for Cameroon corresponding to the period from 2006 to 2014, we calculated the average energy and exergy efficiencies of each electricity generation technology from thermal sources. The average values of the exergy efficiencies obtained are respectively 28.97% for the LFO plants, 30.94% for the HFO plants, 34.66% for the biofuel plants and 36.67% for the gas-fired plants. The average sustainability indexes for each of the technologies are determined and values range from 1.56 for LFO plants to 2.12 for biofuel plants. The improvement potentials of each technology are calculated in order to identify the tracks of increase of their efficiency. Average values range from 165.57 GWh for biofuel plants to 1301.77 GWh for LFO plants. The results of this study should enable the development of productive and applicable planning for future energy policies, in particular for the electricity sector in Cameroon.

Does trophy hunting remain a profitable business model for conserving biodiversity in Cameroon?

In Central Africa, trophy hunting constitutes an incentive-based approach for sustainable wildlife management. We collected data from the wildlife administration, safari hunting enterprises and local wildlife management committees, to provide an order of magnitude of the financial performance of this sector in Cameroon. In 2012, trophy hunting was likely to generate an annual turnover of epsilon 7.5 million and its added value could amount to only 0.0001% of GDP although these hunting zones cover 12% of the national territory. The profit margin for professional guides had become negative, with a net annual profit around epsilon -0.7 million. The severe crisis in the trophy hunting sector is mainly due to an increase in the management costs of the hunting zones and the diminishing price of hunting safaris. The State plays a crucial role in enhancing the financial attractiveness of trophy hunting by the restoration of security in the Northern region and by technical measures to (1) clarify the allocation process for hunting areas, (2) simplify regulations and (3) establish an incentives system for law enforcement at national and local levels.

Will the proposed forest policy and regulatory reforms boost the NTFP sector in Cameroon?

The national policy framework for forest and forest resources management in Cameroon has often been blamed for hindering the development of the non-timber forest products (NTFP) sector. Various actors, both international and national, have gathered to propose major changes to the forestry law in order to support NTFP development. This paper addresses the following questions: (1) What are the provisions of the current forestry policy for NTFPs? (2) What are the major changes proposed for NTFPs and the reality on the ground? (3) How do forest users view the legal forestry framework? (4) Aren't there better ways to improve NTFP management in Cameroon? Informal and formal interviews held with producers, traders, forest administrative agents and civil society actors show that the government tends to address the local communities' participation concerns through decentralisation in the forestry sector but without guaranteeing an efficient implementation. This situation appears to be a structural factor affecting other sectors of activity in the country, and resulting in little hope that the long awaited reforms in the forestry sector will have a determining impact, unless critical actions are taken against corruption and nepotism. The development of a well-structured civil society and the recourse to new technologies appear to be the best way to improve NTFP governance and efficiency in Cameroon.

The technical and political challenges of the industrial forest sector in Cameroon

Cameroon's forest sector has for many decades been characterized by industrial, large-scale, concession-based and export-oriented timber production. Over the past two decades, many innovative regulations have been adopted that largely responded to the external requests of the country's technical and financial partners. By using data and information collected over more than a decade, complemented by semi-structured interviews, we assess how some of the most relevant regulations have been implemented. Findings indicate that over the years, a clear disconnect appears between what is promised and adopted in the rules and regulations governing the industrial sector, and what is actually implemented on the ground. We discuss how such disconnect may have originated and how it may negatively impact the sustainable development of the industrial forest sector. We propose some technical and policy options that may improve the sector's management, positively impact Cameroon's international image and possibly strengthen the country's engagement in international regimes such as FLEGT and/or REDD+.

How governance impacts non-timber forest product value chains in Cameroon

Non-timber forest products (NTFP) comprise a diversity of natural resources that support livelihoods of those along the chain from harvester to traders. The Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC) recognises the importance of NTFPs in alleviating poverty and conserving biodiversity and has proposed directives to aid member states to implement appropriate regulations. Data on the regulations governing the chain and its impacts were collected from literature, 12 small and medium enterprises trading an NTFP known as okok (Gnetum spp.) from the production forests to the port of export in Cameroon, and workshops. Laws were bureaucratically, arbitrarily and weakly implemented and enforced. Of 18,368 financial transactions recorded, 81% were bribes, comprising 34% of trader's costs. Corruption in the permit system further creates high transaction costs, negative environmental impacts due to illegal and over-exploitation, and reduces government revenues. The regulatory framework does not promote an enabling business environment. Improvements in governance are imperative if the economic impact upon the livelihoods of thousands of people in the chain is to be maintained and enhanced to ensure sustainable trade. Recommendations to improve the sector in Cameroon include revisions in the regulatory framework and its implementation to increase transparency and counter corruption.

Pesticides use in cocoa sector in Cameroon: characterization of supply source, nature of actives ingredients, fashion and reasons for their utilization

The chemical control is the widely control method applied in Cameroon for pests and diseases by all the cocoa producers without technical suitable assistance by the State as before 1980’S. However, it is known that farmers have less knowledge on the good pesticides use for the control of a specific pest. The objective of this study was to provide insight in current pesticide use in the cocoa sector in Cameroon. A stratified sampling scheme was used. A total of 251 cocoa farmers, 20 post-harvest cocoa traders and 37 chemical retailers were randomly selected and interviewed. The study showed that 35 different chemicals were marketed in Cameroon for use in cocoa: 4 herbicides, 11 fungicides and 20 insecticides. Of 251 farmers consulted, 96.8% said that they use pesticides on their farms while 3.2% did not. Fungicides were used most often by farmers 61.8%) followed by insecticides (38.2%). Eight active ingredients although, officially banned, were still being used on cocoa farms. Over 77% of farmers do not respect the official spray recommendations for chemicals. Moreover, 64% do not respect recommended doses. Two main pesticide-supply-pathways exist in Cameroon: a legal and illegal supply chain, which provides 51% of pesticides to cocoa farmers, resulting in an estimated loss of value added tax for the Cameroonian government of about 550 000 to 2.4 million Euros per year. These results suggest that improved pests and diseases control by the State and raising farmer awareness about pesticide use in cocoa could greatly attribute to more sustainable cocoa economy in Cameroon.Keywords : Cocoa, pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, Cameroon.

The Implications of Climate Variability on Market Gardening in Santa Sub-Division, North West Region of Cameroon

If Cameroon maintains its position as the “bread basket” of the Central African sub-Region, one of the areas to be credited is the Santa Sub-Division which is one of the major agricultural production basins, particularly market gardening. Apart from grappling with the conventional pre and post-harvest problems which plague the agricultural sector in Cameroon, observed variability in climate has aggravated the scenario. Using climatic records temperature and rainfall) for a 10 year period, including the output of market garden crops (carrots, leeks, tomatoes and cabbage), complemented by field observations and interviews, we established a correlation between climatic variations and variations in output of market garden crops The results showed both direct and inverse relationships between climate variability and market gardening resulting in differential implications for market gardeners. The implications of this results is that in the future, market gardeners could logically shift their focus to some specific crops; this could reduce the output of these crops leaving a bearing on demand and price. As a logical way forward, we suggest some adaptation options which can help farmers to “climate –proof” the market gardening sector which remains a source of livelihood for many farmers in Santa Sub-Division.

Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Public Health Facilities Compared to the Confessional and Private Ones

Infection prevention, control and health promotion have been a serious challenge to the public health sector in Cameroon in general and in the Bamenda health district in particular. This has led to an upsurge of many infectious diseases and epidemics in recent times. It has been aggravated by the advent of the Ebola hemorrhagic disease in neighboring countries and other existing epidemics such as Poliomyelitis, Cholera, Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Measles. This survey compares the infection prevention, control and health promotion practices in public health facilities with those in the confessional and private health facilities. From the analyses, the number of males with sound practices doubled that of females, thus proving to be of statistical significance. Denominational or confessional health facilities equally recorded a high percentage of sound practice followed by private health facilities and then government-owned health facilities. There is also a significant relationship between “level of knowledge’’ and “infection prevention, control and health promotion practice’’ from this study.

Assessment of human resources capacity of pharmaceutical warehouses in Cameroon

Background Cameroon’s health system is based on a pyramidal model, with three levels: central, intermediate and peripheral. This report describes the key findings of the assessments of the human resources of the Central Medical Stores (CENAME) and the 10 regional pharmaceutical supply centres (CAPRs) operating the public supply chain for pharmaceuticals and health commodities in Cameroon. The central level consists of the MOH whose main role is to define national strategy and policy, as well as of national-level hospital. The intermediate level consists of 10 regional delegation of public health, which provides technical support, coordination, oversight and supervision of health districts. This level also includes regional hospitals. The main objective of this assessment was to develop an improvement plan aimed at strengthening the human resources capacity in the public pharmaceutical sector in Cameroon at national and regional level. Method A tailor made tool was developed based on existing assessment tools, the World Health Organization good distribution practices for pharmaceutical products, and Cameroon’s Good distribution practices for health products, and adapted to the local context. Data collected during the field visits were analysed identifying the strengths, weaknesses and recommendations. Results Most of the CAPRs have competent staff that are sufficient in number. Some CAPRs were overstaffed – mainly with regards to operational staff - relative to the current workload. It is not uncommon that a staff member occupies different positions at the same time. All CAPRs have at least one pharmacist and in most cases this is the manager. Three CAPRs have one or two additional pharmacists. CENAME had six pharmacists including the general manager. Organizational charts were found in nine of the CAPRs/CENAME, though in five CAPRs the versions available were outdated and very general. Seven CAPRs/ CENAME provided their (warehouse) staff with special uniforms, though not all staff wear them. In at least five CAPRs/CENAME, some relevant staff were found not to have sufficient and/or workable knowledge of good storage and distribution practices. Many of the staff had basic background and knowledge required for their position. There is no training plan that takes into account the objectives of the CAPRs/CENAME. Discussion