Empowering Rural Women through Agroforestry Practices; The Case of The Mount Oku Forest Region, Cameroon

Agroforestry is gaining grounds among women who have traditionally played important role in agricultural production. Benefits derived from agroforestry has addressed the multiple challenges linked to inadequate arable land, low productivity, socio-cultural barriers among others. This study assessed agroforestry practices of women in Male Headed Households (MHH) and Female Headed Households (FHH), in the Mount Oku Region of Cameroon. Institutional analysis and developmental framework were used to study the conditions for effective agroforestry management strategies. The study: identified farms and crops /trees planted by women in MHHs and FHHs; examined the enabling conditions that favoured agroforestry practices; assessed the benefits before and after agroforestry project as they influence livelihood strategies. Based on the existence of frontline and secondary villages, three Forest Management Institution (FMI) were randomly selected from the tribes that make up the Kilum/ Ijum Forest Project. Selected Participatory Rural Appraisal tools were employed to obtain relevant data. Farms in MHH were from 2 ha and above with more trees for commercial purpose and long-term benefits (timber); while FHH were 2 ha but inclined to indigenous, fast growing trees for subsistence use (firewood, soil fertility improvement, fodder, fruits). The enabling conditions included: access to extension services, improved technology, market information, access to credit facilities and institutional settings; the benefits were: improved agricultural production, increased school attendance and combating child labour, increased employment and end of daily wages, diverse livelihood options, increased household income, sustainable fuelwood production, improve soil fertility, reduced weed incidence. The test of hypotheses revealed that there exist a significant difference in the benefit before and after agroforestry project as they influence livelihood strategies (Z = -35.00, p = 0.000). The study recommended the government, integrates agroforestry in agricultural development programs