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<p>This study examines the impact of local livelihood activities on the conservation of the Mount Nlonako reserve in Cameroon, focusing on how these activities influence environmental sustainability. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations, involving 133 respondents and six key/expert informants. The study examined the types of livelihood activities practiced by communities near the reserve and evaluate their environmental impacts. The findings reveal that the majority of the local population relies heavily on activities such as deforestation for agricultural expansion, poaching, and timber extraction. These practices are predominantly driven by a youthful population (54.2% aged 15–30 years) with limited formal education (52.6% having no formal education), which influences their engagement in environmentally detrimental activities. The reliance on forest resources for farming, including crops like cocoa, plantains, and oil palms, has led to significant degradation of the reserve, including increased landslides and biodiversity loss. A critical observation from the study is the lack of awareness among the local population regarding the protected status of the reserve and the environmental consequences of their activities. More than 75% of the respondents were unaware of the reserve’s protected status and its implications for their activities. The use of environmentally harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers, further exacerbates the negative impact on the reserve’s conservation. To address these issues, the study recommends several policy actions such as promoting sustainable livelihood alternatives like agroforestry and eco-tourism, improving local living standards, involving the community in conservation management, increasing awareness about the reserve’s status, and deploying eco-guards to ensure effective protection. Through the implementation of these strategies, it is hoped that there will be a synergy between both local livelihoods and the conservation of the Mount Nlonako reserve.</p>

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Conservation implications of livelihood activities of communities living adjacent protected areas: case study of the Mount Nlonako reserve in Cameroon

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年10月10日

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  • Mbognong Marie Moussih,
  • Nyong Princely Awazi,
  • Patricia Bi Asanga Fai,
  • Titus Fondo Ambebe,
  • Gadinga Walter Forje

摘要

This study examines the impact of local livelihood activities on the conservation of the Mount Nlonako reserve in Cameroon, focusing on how these activities influence environmental sustainability. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including household surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations, involving 133 respondents and six key/expert informants. The study examined the types of livelihood activities practiced by communities near the reserve and evaluate their environmental impacts. The findings reveal that the majority of the local population relies heavily on activities such as deforestation for agricultural expansion, poaching, and timber extraction. These practices are predominantly driven by a youthful population (54.2% aged 15–30 years) with limited formal education (52.6% having no formal education), which influences their engagement in environmentally detrimental activities. The reliance on forest resources for farming, including crops like cocoa, plantains, and oil palms, has led to significant degradation of the reserve, including increased landslides and biodiversity loss. A critical observation from the study is the lack of awareness among the local population regarding the protected status of the reserve and the environmental consequences of their activities. More than 75% of the respondents were unaware of the reserve’s protected status and its implications for their activities. The use of environmentally harmful chemicals, such as fertilizers, further exacerbates the negative impact on the reserve’s conservation. To address these issues, the study recommends several policy actions such as promoting sustainable livelihood alternatives like agroforestry and eco-tourism, improving local living standards, involving the community in conservation management, increasing awareness about the reserve’s status, and deploying eco-guards to ensure effective protection. Through the implementation of these strategies, it is hoped that there will be a synergy between both local livelihoods and the conservation of the Mount Nlonako reserve.