Contribution of women to land sustainability in north region of Cameroon
case study of the lagdo and ngong’s subdivisions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.48346/IMIST.PRSM/ajlp-gs.v8i1.54649Keywords:
Women, Land, Land rights, Land actors, AgricultureAbstract
Context and background
Cameroon, a country in Central Africa, faces significant environmental challenges, including soil degradation and erosion, particularly in the northern regions. The semi-arid climate of Northern Cameroon, combined with land overexploitation and unsustainable agricultural practices, makes this area particularly vulnerable to these phenomena (Ngwa et al., 2018). This ecological crisis severely affects the livelihoods of rural populations, the majority of whom depend on subsistence agriculture. In this region, women play a crucial role in agriculture and soil conservation practices, holding valuable ecological knowledge about land and natural resource management (Tchotsoua, 2020). However, although they are at the heart of agricultural production, they are often marginalized in political and economic decisions, which hinders their ability to adopt effective conservation strategies (Moussa, 2019).
Goal and Objectives:
The objective of this article is to analyze the strategies employed by women in Northern Cameroon to combat soil degradation and to highlight the challenges they face.
Methodology:
This study used a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze the impact of women's actions in soil conservation. The sample consisted of 150 women from 15 women's associations in the municipalities of Lagdo and Ngong, selected based on specific criteria. Data were collected through document review, questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations in September 2024. The analysis combined descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis of the interviews, with data triangulation to validate the results and deepen the understanding of the challenges and strategies of women.
Results:
The results reveal that these women are developing innovative conservation practices, such as planting live hedges, composting, and alternating strip cropping, which improve soil fertility and enhance resilience to climate change. However, their ability to act is hindered by gender inequalities and a lack of institutional support. The article concludes with the need for reforms to strengthen their position in sustainable land management.
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