Multiplicity of Rural Development Projects, Farmers’ Organizations and Impact on Development in Menoua-Cameroon

Abstract

This study focuses on the multiplicity of rural development projects, Farmers' Organizations and their impact on local development. Its objective is to analyse the effects of the multiplicity of rural development projects on the behaviour of FO members and on local development. Thus, it is a question of analysing the motivation, perception, activity management and adaptation strategies of FOs in the face of this multiplicity of projects and evaluating their impact on local development. To achieve this, the theory of motivation and perception, and then that of forum shopping, were used in this study. The methodology consisted of a literature review, data collection in three boroughs and the use of questionnaires to conduct surveys. In the end, it appears that, despite the 24 existing rural development projects supporting FOs, 98.2% of people are motivated to join more than one project, 96.4% have a good perception of the multiplicity of projects, 94.6% managed their activities well, and 92.7% develop livelihood strategies to better adapt to this multiplicity of projects. After receiving support from the FOs, local development was observed in the Division, i.e. 81.6% in terms of health, socio-economic, cultural, political or administrative aspects in the locality. Local development is therefore significant in the Division of Menoua although it is influenced by the behaviour of FO members who face a multiplicity of rural development projects.