Agriculture urbaine et multifonctionnalité au Cameroun : une sociologie des espaces, des pratiques et des finalités de l’agriculture dans la ville de Yaoundé

Abstract

This research, entitled “Urban Agriculture and Multifunctionality in Cameroon: A Sociology of Spaces, Practices and Purposes of Agriculture in the City of Yaoundé”, stems from the observation that urban agriculture is expanding in Yaoundé despite strong land pressure linked to urban development projects (housing estates, road infrastructures, etc.). The dominant literature mainly considers urban agriculture as a subsistence and food security practice, adopted by vulnerable urban households. In this context, the research was built around the question: how can the growing interest in urban agriculture in Yaoundé be explained among the population? The hypothesis formulated assumes that this practice has established itself because it simultaneously combines economic, social and ecological functions. To test this assumption, two theoretical frameworks were mobilized: strategic analysis and the sociology of logics of action. These analytical lenses were used to interpret data collected through a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative tools. Semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and direct observations formed the basis of this fieldwork. The results show that urban agriculture contributes to the city’s food supply, generates complementary income and promotes the social integration of vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth and migrants. It also plays an ecological role by reducing organic waste and creating green spaces. However, it remains weakened by land insecurity, the fragility of informal user rights, and constant threats of expropriation linked to urban development projects. The investigation concludes that multifunctionality constitutes the main driving force behind the persistence of urban agriculture in Yaoundé.