E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management
E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 6 (5) pp. 0293-0303, December 2015; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466
Cameroonian protected Kilium-Ijim forests for the development of Oku forest fringe community
Zephania N. FOGWE 1 * , Jude Kwei 11 Laboratory of Environment, Hazards and Sustainable Development, Department of Geography, Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences, Box 3132, Douala, University of Douala
2 Department of Geography, Higher Teachers Training College, Box 63, Bambili, The University of Bamenda
*Corresponding Author E-mail: nfogwez@yahoo.co.uk
Accepted 21 November 2015
Abstract
Rural communities in forest fringes over the world depend on the forest resources for livelihood because forest eco systems are abodes of resources on which social life and economic development is anchored. Oku is such a community in Bui Division, Cameroon, on the edge of the Kilum-Ijim protected forest created as reserve in 1987. Primary and secondary data was used to identify ways people depend on reserves for social benefits and development like water and food resources, abode of the gods, as well as forest income generating activities. It evaluates the threats that the indigenes inflict on the biodiversity triggering degradation, lands capes clarification and related effects. The study identifies socio-cultural institutional setup and role play in the defunct Kilum Mountain Forest Projecting saving the forest from want on exploitation. Results show that the forest is a vital source of social benefits and economic development to the community so suggest that national institutions charged with the protection off rest double their vigilanceontheguardingactivitiesanddevelopalternativesourcesoflivelihoodto the people.
Keywords: Bio diversity, off-reserves, social benefits, community, development, protected forest, reserve
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