Cogestion des ressources forestières et mutations chez les Kounabembe de Yokadouma: Contribution à l’anthropologie du développement

Abstract

This research is entitled: « Cogestion des ressources forestières et mutations chez les Kounabembe de Yokadouma: Contribution à l’Anthropologie du développement ». The issue raised pertained to the ineffectiveness or inadequacy of co-managing forest resources in effectively contributing to local development among the Kounabembe. The main question is as follows: How is the co-management of forest resources implemented within the Kounabembe cultural universe? The secondary questions are as follows: How does the co-management of forest resources among the Kounabembe lead to socio-political changes? How does the co-management of forest resources affect the socio-economic environment among the Kounabembe? How does the endogenous dynamic operate in the implementation of co-management of forest resources among the Kounabembe? The central hypothesis indicates that co-management of forest resources among the Kounabembe is implemented through new management approaches that restructure the socio-political and socio-economic contexts, while encountering existing endogenous dynamics within this community. Three secondary hypotheses have been put forward. Firstly, the socio-political changes induced by co-managing forest resources occur through the creation of organized groups, establishment of management committees, representation in decision-making bodies, and revitalization of local, national, and international civil society. Secondly, the implementation of co-management dynamics of forest resources among the Kounabembe contributes to the realization of personal and community micro- projects, but does not ensure their long-term sustainability. Thirdly, the endogenous dynamics of local forest resource management conflict with externally-driven government co-management methods. The primary objective of this research is to demonstrate that co- management of forest resources, in a dynamic context, is implemented among the Kounabembe by disrupting the socio-political and socio-economic contexts while encountering endogenous resistance. The review of literature, observations, interviews, and photography are the main techniques employed for data collection in the field. Following transcription, these data were analyzed using the content analysis technique in Anthropology. The theories of dynamic anthropology, cultural ecology, and structuralist constructivism were mobilized for interpreting these data. The findings of this research demonstrate that the dynamics in the functioning of the communal forest, community forests, annual forest royalty, committees for wildlife resource development, peasant forest committees, and local committees for the management of timber sales are central to the transformations occurring in the research area. These changes have also been evident through the support provided by the government, forestry companies, and civil society organizations. The micro-projects undertaken through the co-management of forest resources among the Kounabembe have, to some extent, improved their living conditions, but have also created a conflict-prone environment. The modes of co-management of forest resources implemented among the Kounabembe are externally driven and perceived as a means of restricting their livelihoods, often misaligned with their socio-cultural representations and deep aspirations. This has led to the observed endogenous resistance within this community.