PERCEPTION OF HUNTING, GATHERING AND FISHING TECHNIQUES OF THE BAKOLA OF THE COASTAL REGION, SOUTHERN CAMEROON

While the BaKola (sin. Nkola) are known as one of the "Pygmy" groups in the forest regions of central Africa, their subsistence activities have not yet been described in details, unlike other groups of "Pygmies" in the central African region. This paper is thus to present the basic data on their tools and techniques for hunting, gathering and fishing, and on the social representations of these techniques, and to examines the reasons why up to the 21st century they have been maintaining their distinctive lifestyle as hunter-gatherers, through analyzing their roles played and the symbolism represented by their activities in the multi-ethnic local community of the coastal region of southern Cameroon. In particular, it demonstrates that their trade, gift-exchanges, important rituals, and other aspects of their social and economic life are based on the three major traditional activities, hunting, gathering and fishing

ATTEMPTS AT DECENTRALIZATION, FOREST MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION IN SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON

The concept of decentralization consists of the breaking down of heavy government machinery into smaller administrative units at the local level. This article attempts to examine the decentralization and forest management in the southeastern region of Cameroon, as well as their impacts on the way of life of the local population (Bantu and Baka). This study is based on a historical approach and socio-anthropological analyses, and highlights the difficulties faced by the public administration in the implementation of these new dispensations at the local level. Further, this study equally demonstrates the non-appropriation of the new management tools by the parties concerned. This therefore explains the reticence of the central administration, administrative delays, and its adoption by the Bantu and Baka

Bantu and Bakola/Bagyelli of Southwestern Cameroon: A Permanent Conflictual Cohabitation

For several centuries, the Bantu and the Bakola/Bagyelli have lived, shared forests and land, and maintained social relationships in southwestern Cameroon. This fraternal cohabitation can be described as a 'necessary evil' for both ethnic groups. This article begins by describing the historical relationship between the Bantu and the Bakola/Bagyelli. Next, it analyzes the context of the conflict between them, focusing specifically on three points: (1) differences in value judgments, (2) differences in livelihood, and (3) problems related to ownership of forests and land. Finally, it presents possible solutions

ATTEMPTS AT DECENTRALIZATION, FOREST MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION IN SOUTHEASTERN CAMEROON

ABSTRACT The concept of decentralization consists of the breaking down of heavy government machinery into smaller administrative units at the local level. This article attempts to examine the decentralization and forest management in the southeastern region of Cameroon, as well as their impacts on the way of life of the local population (Bantu and Baka). This study is based on a historical approach and socio-anthropological analyses, and highlights the difficulties faced by the public administration in the implementation of these new dispensations at the local level. Further, this study equally demonstrates the non-appropriation of the new management tools by the parties concerned. This therefore explains the reticence of the central administration, administrative delays, and its adoption by the Bantu and Baka

Cameroon market survey. Kribi to Meiganga, Republic of Cameroon

Une enquête a été menée sur la disponibilité des produits alimentaires dans 10 marchés représentatifs du Cameroun. Plusieurs produits sont disponibles dans les marchés. Le manioc est omniprésent, sous toutes les formes de consommation et quelle que soit la saison, sauf à Borongo où seuls la farine et le manioc séché ont été observés. Les prix des produits de base sont généralement comparables dans tous les marchés sauf à Kribi où ils sont plus importants. Les prix varient selon que la production est locale ou non. Le manioc est l'aliment de base de tous les groupes ethniques étudiés; viennent ensuite le maïs, la banane, la patate douce et l'igname. La saison a une grande influence sur la disponibilité, la quantité, la qualité et le prix des produits alimentaires. Certains fruits comme la mangue sont introuvables en saison sèche. Les prix des épices et plantes aromatiques sont très élevés, ils sont en moyenne de 640F/kg comparé à 95 F/kg pour les légumes. D'autres épices comme l'oignon, l'ail peuvent coûter jusqu'à 2 000 F/k