Experience of Small-scale Farmers in Analog Forestry Extension in Cameroon: Methods

Abstract

The adoption of unsuitable extension methods to promote participatory analog forestry in the under developed countries because of stereotype institutional policies and profit maximization has led to poor participation of farmers in analog forestry extension programs. The study titled “Participatory analog forestry extension: the experience of small-scale farmers and institutions in the Northwest and Southwest Regions of Cameroon” was designed with the objective of contributing in the enhancement of a better participatory analog forestry management for extension institutions and farmers through an analysis of participatory analog forestry adoption methods.One hundred and fifty two [152] questionnaires were purposively administered to contact and non-contact farmers. An interview schedule with 24 extension workers from eight [8] participatory analog forestry institutions [CENDEP, TROPEG, RTC, RDC, FAP, FOREP, GREEN CARE and GEADIRR] that make up CAFON and operating in the study area. Focus group discussions were carried out with 4 women groups, 2 youth groups and 2 groups made up of men and women. Field observation on tree type, nursery development and local potential for analog forestry were carried using the analog forestry serial stage model. Data collected were collated, coded and analyzed using the Chi-square at 0.05 alpha levels of significances to test differences. SPSS 6.1 version was use for cross-tabulations and contingency tables that generated frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that; 5 extension methods have been adopted by all the institutions [farmer field visit [27.25%], public stakeholder meetings [23.22%], group approach [21.20%], training and workshop method [21.20%] and the exchange visits approach [14.13]] and 68% farmers were involved in the initial stages of planning, decision making and implementation. Monitoring and evaluation and farmers' inputs was 34% absent but farmers who had participated in extension programs 67% were better adopters of analog forestry than those who had not.