Abstract

The survival of Protected Areas (PAs) in Cameroon is very much dependent on alternative economic benefits derived by local people living around these areas. This study was set out to assess the contributions of Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNP) activities to livelihood of the local people. To achieve this, a household survey was conducted using simple random sampling technic where each household was given equal opportunity of being selected to take part in the survey. Line transects questionnaires and a selection of some Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools were used to source information. A total of 600 questionnaires were administered in 10 villages. The results showed no significant contribution of MCNP activities to livelihood of the local people. Implemented innovative income programs had not yet attained optimum production level. Household income level was perceived to have increased slightly. Previous income activities that impacted negatively conservation such as small-scale logging and shifting cultivation have been abandoned and replaced mainly by innovative income programs such as agroforestry farming, mixed crop farming and sustainable debarking of Prunus africana. However, the sustainability of the innovative income activities would require a more practical match making approach for management.

Key words: Protected areas, management, participatory rural appraisal, household income level.