Participatory development: Community organization and social capital are key factors for sustainable local development: A case of the Pygmy and Mbororo indigenous communities of Cameroon
학위논문(석사)--아주대학교 Graduate School of International Studies :국제개발협력과,2015. 2
Alternative Abstract
The concept of development has dominated international debate for several decades, but yet the question of how best development can be achieved in local communities has remained a major issue for concern. To have a critical look at this issue, this research therefore focuses on analyzing the causes of variations in development prospects between local communities. A comparative case study of the Mbororo and Pygmy indigenous communities of Cameron has been analyzed in this study. The two communities are both marginalized and are not legally recognized by the state as indigenous groups, they have self identified themselves as indigenous groups.
This research analyses the factors behind the difference in development levels between Mbororo and Pygmy groups, despite the fact that, they are both marginalized and their political, cultural and social rights as indigenous people are not protected by the Cameroon state.
Research findings show that, a community that is well organized and contain a good stock of social capital will do better than a community which is poorly organized and lack social capital. The study also finds out that an indigenous community which is organized and has good social capital will progress to an extent, even if not recognized. This is explained by the fact that such a community will use both its local and international networks to mobilize resources for its development process.
Finally, this study notes that the significance of recognition cannot be completely nullified, a community which is well organized, has a good stock of social capital and is recognized by the government will develop much better than one which lacks state recognition. This study sums up with recommendations on how to build social capital in indigenous communities, and also make recommendations to the Cameroon state for recognition, promotion and protection of the rights of indigenous groups in Cameroon.
Key words: participatory development, indigenous communities, community organization, social capital and recognition
