The Role of Bakweri Traditional Beliefs in the Management of Mount Cameroon National Park
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Date
2016
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IISTE
Abstract
The sustainability of Parks are threatened because traditional beliefs are not enshrined in the management
processes. Despite efforts made by many researchers to demonstrate the significance of these traditional
beliefs in Africa, the traditional beliefs are side-lined in resources management. This research investigated
the situation in Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP), where natural resources management has been
challenging despite numerous management strategies. MCNP is the home or ‘chariot of gods’ of the gods
of Bakweri clan ‘Ihvarza Mote’ the practice of traditional beliefs has declined and so have the natural
resources. We surveyed 228households and randomly selected 14 from the 41 villages in MCNP. Four
hundred and eighty seven (487) questionnaires were administered (minimum of 30 per village). Focused
Group Discussions (FGD), key informant interviews and participant observations were used as study
instruments. Secondary data was obtained from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife and also from Park
management. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, multiple response analysis (MRA) to compute
aggregate score within conceptual components. We found significant evidence P<0.05 that there are
traditional beliefs in the gods of Mount Cameroon ‘Ihvarza Mote’ which affect natural resource management
in all the four clusters in MCNP. Majority of the respondents (89.5%) perceived that degradation of natural
resources was due to disregard of traditional beliefs. Chi square indicated significant association (P<0.001)
that traditional forest conservation was practiced in areas that have traditional beliefs associated with forest
resources. Spearman’s Rho elucidates significant (P<0.05) relationship between perceived traditional importance
of forest and perceived importance of collaborative forest management. Focused group discussions disclosed
dissatisfaction in management strategies especially from hunters. There has been a momentous decline in the
use of the Bakweri culture which has caused erosion of culture and indigenous knowledge. We conclude that the
non-enshrinement of the traditional beliefs has caused degradation of natural resources, unsustainable livelihood;
non-compliance of regulations and poor participation in collaborative natural resource. We recommend
enshrinement of traditional beliefs, empowerment and involvement of local people in decision making processes
in MCNP. There is a need for an in-depth study of traditional beliefs and culture to inform policy makers and
management in resources conservation worldwide.
Description
This article is published by IISTE and is also available at www.iiste.org
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Citation
Journal of Resources Development and Management www.iiste.org ISSN 2422-8397 An International Peer-reviewed Journal Vol.24, 2016