Forest Exploitation and the Impoverishment of the Population in Cameroon

Abstract

Cameroon has a Gini index of around 0.42, indicating a significant level of income inequality. These disparities are exacerbated by factors such as unequal access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities. As a result, life expectancy is around 49 years, with gender and regional differences. Although logging contributes economically to around 6-8% of the country's GDP, it benefits companies more than the general population, with disastrous consequences for social classes. Logging and timber transport generate substantial revenues for the rich and corporations, impoverishing the population. For six months, we conducted a study on the subject of logging and the impoverishment of the population. Our survey of 307 randomly selected heads of household in three regions of the country (East, South and West Cameroon) enabled us to analyze the data using multivariate statistical techniques. We examined household structures along a number of dimensions: nutrition and infant mortality for health, education, access to electricity, asset ownership for standard of living, and road infrastructure. Our results reveal that the impact of massive deforestation on natural resources is reducing non-timber forest products, such as fruit, medicinal plants and building materials. The loss of biodiversity also affects hunting and fishing activities. Economically, the destruction of traditional livelihoods is accompanied by intense competition from large companies such as Rougier, FIPCAM, Interholco and Thanry. These companies reduce local economic opportunities and create inequalities in the distribution of revenues generated by logging. The majority of these revenues benefit large companies and the wealthy, while local communities receive little or no benefit. Lack of reinvestment in road infrastructure and social services further worsens the living conditions of local populations. On the social and cultural front, we have recorded the forced displacement of the Meyos III population to the south, disrupting their way of life and social structures. Social conflicts are recurrent between local communities and forestry companies. Overall, the under-25 population accounts for 50% of the population, with unfavorable socio-economic conditions. The central indicator of deprivation and vulnerability makes it difficult for heads of household to acquire basic goods. The majority of social classes are more vulnerable, with very low purchasing power. Only 26.05% of the population own a television, while 43.97% have electricity in their homes, often thanks to generators. In the remote Eastern region, 34% of pupils have not completed primary school. According to the Ministry of Public Health's epidemiological bulletin, out of almost 500,000 live births registered in health facilities, 7,169 stillbirths were reported in 2023. The Ministry attributes these deaths to inadequate care for pregnant women, while medical sources blame poverty. In the regions of Dja-et-Lobo, Meyos III, Lobéké and Lom-et-Djérem, internal conflicts within local communities are increasing due to competition for resources. A balanced and inclusive approach, integrating sustainable practices and community participation, is essential to mitigate the impoverishment of the lower classes and promote the socio-economic development of forest regions.

Keywords: Impoverishment, Lower Class, Forest, Governance.