A village development plan is a document that outlines clearly development procedures prepared by a village that can be used to mobilize potentials, capacities and allocation of resources. The goal is to move a village from its present situation to a desired one in an orderly and acceptable manner within a given time frame. It is a systematic approach that aims at sustainable management of natural resources and livelihood development at the village level. It is aimed at creating an environment for investors of the village in the long run.
The purpose of the exercise was to guide the two villages prepare a development plan in a cluster fashion. A manual (including the different participatory and learning tools and methods) prepared by the PSMNR-SWP through its lead partner responsible for result 4 - DED was used throughout the planning process. The specific objective of the assignment was to assist the villagers find solutions for CBNRM strategies that shall contribute to improving livelihood as well as smaller infrastructure projects (demand driven), also find solutions for communal forest management activities and finally include within the VDP, a “Package” of priority interventions recommended for implementation through the PSMNR-SWP.
The development planning process of Ekonjo and Upper Boando villages lasted a total of ten days. In each village, five days were spent so as to assess the base situation and document the strengths, potentials and problems for development. In the last two days, joint meetings were organized to finally select and prioritized the projects for the two villages, and also come out with a strategic and annual implementation plan and a monitoring and evaluation plan.
Ekonjo and Upper Boando villages are found in Buea municipality, located within the Buea Sub-division in Fako Division of the South West Region. Upper Boando and Ekonjo villages are quite small villages in terms of population sizes. Ekonjo village has a total of 104 persons with 54 of them permanently residing in the village and 50 outside. Upper Boando on the other hand has 77 persons, 26 of them residing in the village and 51 outside.
The main economic activity of the two villages is farming and the most important crops cultivated are plantain and banana. For Ekonjo, average revenue generated from plantains per household per year is 158,000 FCFA and for Upper Boando is 328,000 FCA.
Table of Contents
EXECUCTIVE SUMMARY
SECTION 1: REPORT ON ASSESSMENT
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Location
1.2 Accessibility
1.3 Population sizes and structure of the villages
1.4 Climate and vegetation
1.5 Livelihood activities
1.6 Development concerns and potentials
1.7 Objectives
CHAPTER 2: SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE SURVEY
2.1 Population (sex, age, ethnic group)
2.1.1 Ethnicity
2.1.2 Age and sex ratio
2.2 Historical analysis
2.3 Time line
2.4 Sources and levels of income
2.5 Areas of expenditure
2.6 Village institutions and organisation
2.7 Natural resources management authorities
2.8 Social amenities (water, school, health facilities etc.)
2.9 Social problems
2.10 Interaction with other villages
2.11 Past and current development projects and partners involved
CHAPTER 3: LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES
3.1 Plantain and banana farming
3.2 Cocoyam farming
3.3 Pepper
3.4 Vegetables
3.5 Maize
3.6 Fruits
3.7 NTFP gathering
3.8 Animal husbandry
3.9 Timber exploitation
3.10 Coffee and oil palm production
3.11 Particular activities and the months when they occur
CHAPTER 4: PARTICIPATORY LAND USE MAP AND TENURE
4.1 Participative land use mapping
4.2 Land tenure system.
CHAPTER 5: HUMAN AND PROTECTED AREA INTERACTION
5.1 Awareness of existing conservation issues or protected areas
5.2 Local perceptions and attitudes
5.3 Impact of existing livelihood activities on natural resources
5.4 Eistence of animal/human conflicts
5.5 Existence of conservation mechanisms and relationship with MINFOF
SECTION 2: REPORT ON PLANNING
CHAPTER 6: NEED ASSESSMET AND OUTLINE OF PRIORITY PROJECTS
6.1 List of problems identified by Ekonjo and Upper Boando
6.2 List of solutions identified for Ekonjo and Upper Boando
6.3 Village development goals
6.4 Priority development objectives based on PSMNR objectives
6.4.1 CBNRSM (towards conservation of natural resources)
6.4.2 CBNRSM and income (NTFP and agriculture)
6.4.3 Infrastructure & livelihood
6.5 The Ekonjo and Upper Boando shared vision
CHAPTER 7: PLANNED ACTIVITIES AND OUTLINE OF PRIORITY PROJECTS
7.1 Selected priority projects based on impact ranking
CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION
CHAPTER 9: RECOMMENDATION
Objectives & Core Topics
The primary goal of this document is to provide a systematic development plan for the Ekonjo and Upper Boando villages, focusing on mobilizing local potential, improving infrastructure, and promoting sustainable natural resource management to move the villages toward a more prosperous future.
- Socioeconomic baseline assessment of the local communities.
- Evaluation of livelihood activities including farming, livestock, and NTFP collection.
- Identification of community-based problems and proposed priority projects.
- Development of participatory land use and natural resource management strategies.
Excerpt from the book
1.2 Accessibility
Though the road appears to be motorable, access into these villages is quite tough because of the rugged and stony nature of the road. As a consequence access both into and out of the villages are regularly done on foot and to a lesser extent with cars or commercial motorbikes. Either from Buea or Limbe, one arrives first at Ekonjo before reaching Upper Boando. Two access ways into these villages can be through Bokwangwo from Buea, going down to Bwassa, Likombe, Mapanja and to Ekonjo and finally reaching Upper Boando.
Summary of Chapters
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION: Introduces the location, population, and geography of the Ekonjo and Upper Boando villages while outlining the mission objectives.
CHAPTER 2: SOCIOECONOMIC BASELINE SURVEY: Details the demographic structure, historical trends, income sources, and institutional framework of the two villages.
CHAPTER 3: LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES: Analyzes the agricultural and livestock-based economic activities and the challenges associated with them.
CHAPTER 4: PARTICIPATORY LAND USE MAP AND TENURE: Discusses the land use mapping results and the local land inheritance and acquisition system.
CHAPTER 5: HUMAN AND PROTECTED AREA INTERACTION: Examines local perceptions of conservation and the impact of human activities on the local natural environment.
CHAPTER 6: NEED ASSESSMET AND OUTLINE OF PRIORITY PROJECTS: Identifies specific development problems and formulates priority goals and objectives based on PSMNR criteria.
CHAPTER 7: PLANNED ACTIVITIES AND OUTLINE OF PRIORITY PROJECTS: Provides a detailed implementation plan including timing, responsibilities, and indicators for the priority projects.
CHAPTER 8: CONCLUSION: Summarizes the planning process and the expected impact of the proposed projects on the socioeconomic status of the villagers.
CHAPTER 9: RECOMMENDATION: Offers strategic advice on commitment, funding, and group management to ensure the successful implementation of the village development plan.
Keywords
Village Development Plan, Ekonjo, Upper Boando, Natural Resources Management, Agriculture, Livelihood, Infrastructure, CBNRM, Sustainability, PSMNR, Land Use, Community, Socioeconomic, Rural Development, Cameroon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this development plan?
The document serves as a roadmap for Ekonjo and Upper Boando to mobilize their capacities and resources, aiming to transition the villages from their current state to a desired future development scenario within a set timeframe.
What are the central themes of the work?
The main themes include community-based natural resource management (CBNRM), agricultural productivity enhancement, infrastructure improvement (specifically water and roads), and sustainable livelihood diversification.
What is the primary objective of this consultancy?
The objective was to assist villagers in conducting a situational assessment, identifying problems, finding solutions for natural resource management, and creating a "package" of priority infrastructure and livelihood projects.
What research methods were utilized?
The team employed participatory learning tools such as formal and informal interviews, focus group discussions, village meetings, transect walks, priority ranking, and mapping exercises.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body covers the socioeconomic background, detailed livelihood and agricultural activities, participatory land use mapping, human-environment interaction, and the definition of specific priority projects for the villages.
Which keywords characterize this study?
Key terms include Village Development Plan, Natural Resource Management, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Community Participation in the context of the South West Region of Cameroon.
How is the "shared vision" of the villages defined?
The shared vision for 2039 focuses on improved living standards, regularly maintained roads, accessible markets, reliable water systems, and a reversed trend of rural exodus through increased local agricultural and economic activity.
What role do the Forest Management Committees play?
These committees, reconstituted by the WWF and PSMNR, are responsible for monitoring and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources in collaboration with traditional authorities.
Why is the "water project" identified as a priority?
The lack of a reliable, safe water source has been a major factor driving out-migration; the project aims to improve local health and serve as an incentive for migrant members to return to the village.
How is the 20% village contribution intended to be managed?
The report recommends that each community member contributes an agreed-upon amount into a special village fund to ensure they meet their required co-financing contribution for infrastructure projects.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Suinyuy Derrick Ngoran (Autor:in), 2009, Village Development Plan For Ekonjo And Upper Boando Villages: Sustainable Natural Resource Management Oriented, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/269169
