Since independence, Cameroon has been searching for appropriate conflict management approaches to deal with the numerous and apparently intractable conflicts between states and among ethnic groups over the ownership and exploitation of natural resources. In Cameroon, conflicting claims regarding rights to the management of natural resources have, over the years led to inter-ethnic conflicts and disputes between communities, especially on food crop and livestock farmers, aggravating the poverty situation in rural areas. In attempts to resolve resource management conflicts between rival groups, the approach adopted by the modern state is highly centralised and mostly top-top without due consideration to the historical and cultural systems and values of the indigenous communities that constitute the country. Although some farmers have struggled to enjoy their right to use land, a culture of acknowledging their right to control land during land contention is yet to take hold. In some instances, the laws continue to be disregarded in favour of wealthy cattle glaziers against farmers’ right to own land. This work advocates for community participation in designing natural resources management strategies and harmonisation of the conflict management systems of indigenous communities with those of the modern state to provide a lasting solution to the incessant conflicts over resource exploitation to ensure peaceful co-existence. Such measures would contribute to improving the managerial, organisational and income-generating skills of community members to tackle the rising incidence of rural poverty and human depravation.
Comments
No have any comment !