FOSTERING REGIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT THROUGH A DECENTRALISED PERSPECTIVE: LESSONS FROM KUMBA AND TIKO MUNICIPALITIES, SOUTH WEST REGION, CAMEROON

Abstract

This study sets out to assess the role of councils in achieving sustainable development in Kumba and Tiko municipalities. In order to achieve the goal of this study, a survey research design was adopted. The sample size of the study comprised of 100 respondents made up of 30 council workers and 70 inhabitants and the sampling technique used was the stratified, purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data were equally collected using a semi-structured interview technique. Data collected were analysed qualitatively and statistical data were presented on tables using a quantitative data analysis technique. Results reveal that both Councils have to an extent been able to contribute to the achievement of some of the SDGs. Lagging in the achievement of Goals 5, 8, 9 to 17. Findings also reveal that the Councils lack financial resources, skilled personnel, adequate training by the technical department and face challenges in creating new partnership with investors. The study therefore concludes that local councils have inclusive development visions and initiatives which are promising development initiatives to improve the wellbeing of their local communities if well planned and executed. The study recommends that there is a need to mobilise the community through civic participation namely enhanced participatory budgeting that could engage citizens and facilitate revenue collection.