AN ASSESSMENT INTO THE ROLE OF  LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IN  RURAL DEVELOPMENT OF CAMEROON: A CASE STUDY OF DOUALA LGA IN CAMEROON

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the study

In developing economics, most development initiatives are focused on agricultural development but until recently there were few initiatives to highlight the rural development plan as a whole. As observed by Chioma (2022) by making the process of development self-sustaining, rural development may also be seen a s raising the standard of living for large numbers of the rural poor. As of now, the movement to improve rural areas has widespread support. Moseley (2019) opined that the creation of new jobs, improved access to land and income, a general uptick in health, nutrition, and housing, the introduction of incentives and opportunities for saving credit, the expansion of access to education and participation in the decisions that affect people's lives are all part of   rural development hence a requisite for grass root mobilization.

In Cameroon, local government administration has received significant national and international attention as a result of its status as a government tier charged with ensuring the political, social, and economic development of its region and its people (Aliyu & Kohen, 2019).). This shift has led to a greater appreciation for rural development's role as a tool for advancing the modern developing world as a whole. . In spite of the fact that the global economy has seen and is still experiencing significant forward progress, Mensah and Ojowu (1989) cited in Chioma (2022) argue that rural regions in third-world nations have remained backward and immobile. Indeed, Cameroon's position as one of the world's poorest nations despite our enormous financial and human resources is due to the poverty level of the rural areas brought on by this lack of development.

 Using its HDI, the United Nations routinely ranks Cameroon as one of the poor countries in central Africa. According to Adedeji (2020), the World Bank  estimated that more than 1.15 billion people in developing countries were living below the poverty line (US $350 per year), and the vast majority of these people reside in rural areas, which account for about 80% of their respective national populations. Thus Odewale (2018) averred that local government as tier of grassroot administration  can be used to promote growth in the country's outlying regions as government's presence at the grassroots level is crucial to local government as observed by Odoh (2015).  Similarly, Enemuo (2016) revealed that experts in the field of local government studies argue on  whether or not rural residents have access to essential services, growth in non-industrialized countries like Nigeria depends crucially on the success of plans to improve life in rural regions. Odewale (2018) mentioned that the disparity between rural and urban regions is so great in terms of infrastructure, resource distribution, distribution of human resources, and job opportunities that rural development has become a necessity. As a result of this disparity, rural communities are much more economically disadvantaged than they already were. It has led to an increase in urban unemployment and a loss of agricultural labour in rural regions due to rural-to-urban migration.

Although, it was assumed that a three tier arrangement, including the federal, state, and local levels, will help remove such factors hindering developmental activities at the grass roots level though local administration, thereby integrating that previously excluded group of rural residents into mainstream township and allowing them to benefit from the same social and economic opportunities as their urban counterparts. Unfortunately, in modern Cameroon, Okoli et al. (2015) averred that local government, openness and accountability are nothing more than empty slogans, with most officials flaunting ostentatious riches amassed via illegal institutionalized theft and corrupt practices. Thus, citizens in Cameroon have lost faith and trust in local government administration due to the government's repeated failures in providing the services they expect.

The study seeks to influence policy-making, improve governance practices, and contribute to more equitable and sustainable rural development in Cameroon by investigating the dynamics, possibilities, and problems of local governance in this environment.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Over the course of the years, local governments play an important role in rural development in Cameroon, but little is known about their function or how successful they are in this setting, especially for rural regions. In a study by  Ugwuanyi, Offor & Nweze, (2016), douala Local Government Area (LGA) and other local governments in Cameroon have taken steps toward decentralization, but it is unclear how well they are carrying out their responsibilities to foster long-term rural growth. On the other hand, Fambon, (2018) mentioned that inadequate funding, a lack of technical expertise, bureaucratic red tape, and political meddling are some of the problems that have been previously identified as preventing local governments from adequately meeting the complex demands of rural communities Moreover, Tadele, (2020) argued that specific governance strategies that emphasize local engagement and empowerment are required due to the distinct socio-economic and geographical features of rural Cameroon, such as inequalities in basic service access, infrastructure deficiencies, and dependence on agriculture however  grassroots administration has become a façade. 

 Although empirical studies examining the function of rural development agencies in Cameroon have been few and far between, there is need for a thorough examination is urgently required to evaluate the effectiveness, capability, and influence of regional administrations, especially in areas like Douala LGA, where urban-rural connections and demographic changes add more intricacies. Upon this premise the study assesses the role of local governments in rural development of Cameroon: a case study of Douala LGA in Cameroon.

1.3 Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to assess the role of local governments in rural development of Cameroon: a case study of Douala LGA in Cameroon. The specific objectives are as follows

To investigate the role of local government in the provision of good roads in Douala LGA, Cameroon.

To investigate role of local government in the provision of healthcare in Douala LGA, Cameroon.

To investigate role of local government in the provision of education in Douala LGA, Cameroon.

To investigate role of local government in promoting agricultural development in Douala LGA, Cameroon.

1.4 Research questions

The following questions have been prepared for the following

Does the  local government play a role in the provision of good roads in Douala LGA, Cameroon?

Does the  local government play a role in the provision of healthcare in Douala LGA, Cameroon?

Does the   local government play a role in the provision of education in Douala LGA, Cameroon?

Does the local government play a role in promoting agricultural development in Douala LGA, Cameroon?

1.5 Significance of the study

The study will help immensely in guiding the local government policy makers to make better decisions for rural development in rural areas. Thereafter, this study is to provide an insight in which local people will be able to participate in the politics of their communities and to educate the people on the roles and duties they should play in the development of their locality. Empirically, the significance of this study also lies in the fact that it will serve the purpose of contributing to knowledge as well as provide a launch pad for further studies. Thereafter, this research is t will go a long way to provide literature material beneficial to the researchers, students and scholars in relation to the problems of local government and rural development in Cameroon

1.6 Scope of the study

The study focuses on the role of  local governments in  rural development of Cameroon: a case study of Douala LGA in Cameroon. Empirically, the study will investigate the role of local government in the provision of good roads in Douala LGA, Cameroon, investigate role of local government in the provision of healthcare in Douala LGA, Cameroon, investigate role of local government in the provision of education in Douala LGA, Cameroon and investigate role of local government in promoting agricultural development in Douala LGA, Cameroon. Geographically, the study is delimited to Douala LGA in Cameroon.

1.7 Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced.

1.8 Definition of terms

Local Government: A governmental body responsible for the administration of specific geographic areas, such as municipalities, districts, or LGAs. 

Rural Development: The process of improving the economic, social, and environmental conditions of rural areas. This includes initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity, infrastructure development, access to basic services, livelihood opportunities, and overall quality of life for rural residents.