Diaspora et développement local au Cameroun. Cas des localités de Mvangan dans la Mvila (Sud) et Bamendjou dans les hauts plateaux (Ouest)

Abstract

This research is entitled "Diaspora and local development in Cameroon. Case of the localities of Mvangan in the Mvila (South) and Bamendjou in the Hauts-Plateaux (West)". This is a comparative analysis whose objective is to highlight the contribution of the diaspora to local development. Our research mobilizes theories such as Glick Schiller's Transnationalism in Migration and David BLOOM and Odeb STARK's New Economy of Migration, to assess the relationship between diaspora and community of origin. The methodology is based on a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach, with data collection carried out on 209 individuals in the locality of Mvangan and 277 individuals in the locality of Bamendjou. The results reveal the presence of a new category of actors present on the field: this is the diaspora. Although they are absent, they maintain links with their community of origin. From this link springs a call that pushes emigrants to work for the well-being of their community. In the field, they operate individually and associatively. The involvement of the diaspora at the community level is driven by socio-cultural factors. The actions of the diaspora at the local level are visible economically, socially, culturally, and many others. Nevertheless, many factors hinder the implementation of emigrant development projects. These elements emanate from a mode of operation at the local level and in the diaspora. We therefore come to the conclusion that the diaspora considered as an agent of development, acts according to the community of origin. This is the basis of the motivations and actions of these development actors. In a situation of international mobility and homecoming, it is a question of taking advantage of migration. At this level, therefore, strategies should be set up and close collaboration between the local population, local elected representatives, and emigrants. Benefiting from the actions of the diaspora also requires creating a favorable atmosphere that could facilitate the implementation of development projects for international migrants.