The Bamenda model. Development of a sustainable land-use system in the highlands of West Cameroon

✍ Scribed by Dieter Prinz; Franz Rauch

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1987
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 814 KB
• Volume: 5
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0167-4366
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00047180

✦ Synopsis

Since 1980 in the western highlands of Cameroon, on the Bamenda plateau, the so-called Bamenda model has been developed. This model is an attempt to build up, essentially with local resources, an ecologically stable and economically attractive land use system. Key elements are the introduction of draught oxen, the implementation of integrated plant nutrition systems, erosion control with contour bunds, avoidance of soil-turning plowing and, last not least, the integration of trees and bushes into the farming system.

The Bamenda model uses the autochthonous experiences of the population, leads to the integration of the male population into the food production and alleviates the work load through the emphasis on animal traction.