E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management

E3 Journal of Environmental Research and Management Vol. 6 (5) pp. 0304-0314, December 2015; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2141-7466

Agricultural expansion and raffia palm destruction: the case of Bamunka, N.W. Cameroon

Abstract

The tropical location of Cameroon coupled with its elongated north to south stretch, lends it to a diversity of ecosystems. While the southern part is rainy and evergreen, the north is torrid and generally dry. An important ecosystem in the south is raffia palms, mostly located in wetland areas. Bamunka village is an example of a flood plain in Cameroon that contains a vast expanse of raffia bushes. Their existence over decades led to a symbiotic socio-economic and cultural relationship with the local residents. Resources exploited from this ecosystem played a vital economic role in this region until the arrival of a massive agro-industrial scheme (U.N.V.D.A) in the 1970’s aimed at rice production. Their presence led to the destruction of vast areas of raffia. This research therefore sought to respond to the following question: How has agricultural expansion affected raffia bushes and what are the socio-economic and ecological implications? Mixed research methods involving quantitative and qualitative methods as well as consultation of secondary sources were used. Several resources were identified that stimulated socio-economic benefits for the local population through activities like: palm wine extraction, handicraft, hunting and fishing. However, raffia palm destruction has reduced the socio-economic and ecological potentials for the local population.

Keywords: Raffia palms, ecosystem, socio-economic, Bamunka