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Doctoral defence of Yvonne Nchanji, MSc (Forestry), 22.11.2024: A centralized governance approach still predominates within national parks

The doctoral dissertation in the field of Geography will be examined at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies at Joensuu Campus.

What is the topic of your doctoral research? Why is it important to study the topic?

This study explores the effects of international and national natural resource management (NRM) policies on biodiversity conservation. Furthermore, research studies the actions and the coping mechanisms devised by the indigenous people and local communities towards these policies to sustain their livelihoods. In doing so, it addresses a significant gap in the literature, which often overlooks the agency of local communities when assessing the outcomes of NRM and conservation policies. Additionally, the study questions the assertions regarding the effectiveness of participatory management approaches.

What are the key findings or observations of your doctoral research?

The research indicates that despite changes in forest management policies documented over time, a centralized governance approach still predominates within national parks, with participatory approaches serving primarily as a means of legitimation. The research also illustrates that power dynamics concurrently influence the outcomes of participatory approaches. The research further demonstrates how entrenched governance frameworks perpetuate historical inequalities and exclusions dating back to colonial eras, still exert lasting effects on local people’s livelihoods and daily survival.

The research draws on the inference that conservation measures have exacerbated ongoing livelihood challenges and impeded the advancement of indigenous peoples and local communities. The research explores on the coping strategies – including intensified agricultural practices, defiance of certain forest management policies, and engagement in merchandising – employed by indigenous peoples and local communities towards forest policies. The study proposes that embracing a convivial conservation approach could provide constructive pathways to resolving ongoing disputes by fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, grounded in the traditions and customs of indigenous people and local communities.

How can the results of your doctoral research be utilised in practice?

My doctoral research explores avenues for equitable interaction and participation within the interdisciplinary domain of resource governance and management. It makes a meaningful contribution by providing empirical insights and analytical perspectives, unpacking power dynamics, and offering relevant policy recommendations in this field. Through empirical findings, theoretical analysis, and policy-oriented contributions, my research enhances the understanding of human-environment dynamics and state-population interactions in forest settings in Cameroon, situating these insights within ongoing academic debates. It also highlights pathways to strengthen participatory conservation management initiatives. Additionally, the research sheds light on the rich historical and contemporary landscape of forest resource governance and management across several strategically chosen sites in Cameroon.

What are the key research methods and materials used in your doctoral research?

I initiated my research with a comprehensive review of literature on forest management and governance in sub-Saharan Africa, with focus on Cameroon. This review encompassed studies on the use of forest resources and their effects on household livelihoods, the participation of indigenous peoples and local communities in forest management, the power dynamics affecting decision-making, traditional knowledge systems, and gender roles in managing forest resources.

The research was grounded in a qualitative design, which provided a framework for data collection and analysis. This approach also involved determining which individuals to include in the research and how they would be selected. The study specifically targeted communities located in and around two national parks: Campo Ma’an National Park (CMNP) and Korup National Park (KNP) in Cameroon. The empirical investigation of my doctoral research utilised semi-structured household interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews to gather data from members of the community, government authorities, and non-governmental organizations engaged in forest resource management at the study sites. Audio recordings and notes were taken down to gather research participants responses. A thematic analysis was used to produce trustworthy and insightful findings.

The doctoral dissertation of Yvonne Nchanji, MSc (Forestry), entitled Gendered Livelihood Strategies in Natural Resource Management in National Parks in Cameroon will be examined at the Faculty of Social Sciences and Business Studies. The opponent will be Professor Franklin Obeng-Odoom, University of Helsinki, and the custos will be University Lecturer Juha Kotilainen, University of Eastern Finland. Language of the public defence is English.

Public examination

Dissertation (PDF)

For further information. please contact:

Yvonne Kiki Nchanji, yvonnen(at)student.uef.fi