Author(s): Clement Che BONUH / Language(s): English
Issue: 2/2024
This article investigates the power dynamics and conflicts arising in smallholder plantation agriculture in Mbandjock, Cameroon. Smallholder plantation agriculture in Mbandjock, Cameroon, has seen significant growth, yet the emerging power dynamics and conflicts within this sector have received little attention. Small-scale farmers in sub-Saharan African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, Senegal, and Cameroon engage in agriculture to ensure food security within their communities. The study examines the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviours of stakeholders involved in the emerging plantations in the region. It takes a bottom-up approach to explore the new sources of power and conflict introduced by smallholder plantations in Africa. Using a descriptive qualitative research design, data was collected from a sample of 131 informants among the estimated 4,250 smallholder farmers in Mbandjock. Data collection methods include interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and iconography. Content and iconographic analyses were employed. The research draws on theories of Social Representations and cultural dynamics of Georges Balandier to analyse the interactions between different actors and the impact on local communities. The findings shed light on the complexities of power relations and conflicts within smallholder plantation agriculture in Mbandjock. The findings reveal that smallholder plantations have brought about new power dynamics across political, spiritual, economic, and social spheres, leading to significant lifestyle changes and contributing to food insecurity issues in the region. Land use conflicts have escalated due to rapid urbanization driven by population growth. Additionally, land grabbing has occurred under two distinct land tenure laws – customary and state laws – resulting in conflicts between administrative, political, and traditional authorities. This study highlights the complex interplay between power dynamics and conflicts within smallholder plantation agriculture in Mbandjock, Cameroon. It emphasizes the necessity for further research and policy interventions to address these challenges.
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