CAMFORST

Past customs, current law: Analyzing the Effects of Endogenous and Exogenous Institutions on Sustainable Forest Management in Cameroon

Duration: Three years (2020 – 2023)

Funded by: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Contact:
Dr. Jude Kimengsi (Principal Investigator & Project Coordinator)

Prof. Dr. Jürgen Pretzsch (Project Advisor)

BACKGROUND
The New Institutional Economics (NIEs) provides a sound theoretical foundation for analyzing the impact of endogenous cultural and exogenous institutions on the management of forest resources. However, scientific investigations have, for the most part independently analyzed both institutions, showing varying outcomes in regulating natural resource use. Therefore, research approaches and theoretical constructs are needed to enhance understanding of how these two forms of institutions affect the intentions of human agents, and regulate their actions, regarding the use and conservation of natural resources (particularly forests). The investigation in a socio-culturally diverse setting such as Cameroon, presents a justified starting point in the Congo Basin forest zone.

PROJECT AIM AND OBJECTIVES
The aim of the project is to analyze conditions under which endogenous cultural and exogenous institutions shape forest management and conservation in Cameroon. It specifically seeks to:

Identify and assess what is left of endogenous cultural institutions that can support forest management and conservation;

Analyse the potential effect (short, medium and long-term) of both endogenous cultural and exogenous formal institutions in shaping forest management & conservation choices;

Explore the extent to which knowledge on both institutions can edify existing theoretical constructs on future institutions and resource management, in the context of the Global South (esp. sub-Saharan Africa).

OVERALL PROJECT FRAMEWORK