Femmes et développement agricole : enjeux,défis et perspectives dans la commune de ndikinimeki

Abstract

Today, agriculture is the main source of foreign exchange and growth of many countries and Cameroon in particular. In 1978, when oil production started, the share of agriculture represented 44% of the GDP In 2004. This activity has empowered many farmers and women in particular by improving not only their living conditions, but also multi-faceted agricultural performance. The factors of agricultural development can be an opportunity to improve the livelihoods of women and the general population in financial and food need. However, for decades in Ndikiniméki, the situation of women and their place in this process has been paramount. This study aims to examine the issues and challenges faced by women in agricultural development in Ndikiniméki. To achieve this, we used the hypothetical-deductive method, which involves demonstration and who’s starting point are hypotheses supported by the participatory approach. Data was collected with the help of questionnaires administered to 220 women farmers, as well as interviews conducted with 43 resource persons and local actors (farmers, administrative authorities, village chiefs,) spread over the 06 farming stations (Nomena, Ndokobakoumek, Nebolen, Ndokobassaben, Ndikoko I and Ndokowanen) in the study area. The results show that women's role in agricultural development in Ndikiniméki is hampered by issues and challenges related to agricultural practices. This allowed us to analyse and identify the factors of agricultural development, the socio economic, cultural and environmental issues, the consequences as well as the strategies for a better optimisation of agricultural practices in Ndikiniméki. Several major points were noted in this area such as: the poor management policy of the cultivable land by the natives, the almost universal isolation of the cultivable areas. It should also be noted that agricultural development in Ndikiniméki has undergone multiple transformations in terms of cultivation practices, space and technology, and the perceptions of women. The different agricultural factors have been put in place thanks to the favourable biophysical conditions of the area. It is in this perspective that we have noted that farmers, consumers, parasternal and non-state institutions are the main actors in solving the problem of women's agricultural development in general and in Ndikiniméki