NATURE CONSERVATION AND HUNTER GATHERERS' LIFE IN CAMEROONIAN RAINFOREST

Abstract

The policy and strategy of nature conservation projects in Africa have been changing due to various failed cases since the colonial period. "Collaborative management" with the local populations and "adaptive management" to the changing local conditions are introduced as progressive approaches in the conservation project of southeastern Cameroon. The Baka hunter-gatherers who are directly influenced by the project, are expected to be future conservators by the conservation agent. However, they do not show much interest in the project. One of the main factors for their indifference lies in the contents of the project, which does not take into consideration the actual life of the Baka. The Baka not only depend on a variety of forest resources, but also on farm and industrial products. Zoning of land-use patterns and hunting regulations are not compatible with the Baka life, which is characterized by nomadism and heavy dependence on forest animals for food and cash income. Moreover, environmental education in a top-down way with an intermediary of dominant farmer agents may lead to reinforcing or reproducing the existing subordinate relationship of the Baka with the neighboring farmers. These points should be taken into consideration for designing an effective conservation plan.