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doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669329pmid: N/A
Abstract Land conflict is currently Liberia's largest obstacle to long-term stability. Using Lofa County as a case study, this article explores the conditions that produce land conflict and the mechanisms used to resolve them. Following Liberia's civil war, a range of tenure systems are struggling to (re)establish themselves. The competing discourses employed by the various systems of authority in Lofa County to legitimize/justify claims are creating opportunities for land encroachment. Disputes are generally being channelled into informal dispute resolution systems rather than formal mechanisms. The weaknesses of formal, customary, and informal institutions limit what punitive measures can be brought against those who violate the norms that would guarantee secure tenure, thus helping to perpetuate the cycle of encroachment.
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669330pmid: N/A
Abstract This paper seeks to demonstrate that incentives designed to improved competitiveness in foreign markets in the forestry sector leads, all things being equal, to increased timber exports and, in turn, expanded deforestation. Deforestation is an inevitable consequence of the pressure created by global demand for tropical timber, which is underscored by the unbridled harvesting of Cameroon's national forest heritage and exacerbated by inequitable income distribution. The implementation of a sustainable forest management strategy is required now in order to preserve current forestry stocks, this strategy must ensure a balance between the harvesting of forest species and reforestation. The application of a specific model of renewable resource management leads to compelling results in terms of ensuring long-term, optimal management of forestry heritage, and in fact supports the current economic policies for this sector in Cameroon.
Djondang, Koye; Havard, Michel
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669331pmid: N/A
Abstract The cultivation of cotton has provided an efficient infrastructure for producers in Cameroon and Chad for many generations. However, changes in the cotton industry in recent years (reduced governmental involvement, ongoing crisis) are highlighting the limits of this infrastructure, which is essentially based on disseminating technical information. Producers must now manage the services they need and improve their technical and economic output to keep pace with expanding markets. The issue of support initiatives for farmers is examined, and in particular the work of the Conseil à l'exploitation familiale (CEF) in the cotton-growing regions of these two countries. The CEF supports farmers' efforts to develop conceptual skills in concrete and contemporary subject areas, followed by subjects requiring future planning and conceptualization. A flexible, step-by-step approach is initially used with groups of farmers expressing interest. This approach has improved production methods as well as farmer-seller relations. Qualified staff and appropriate funding are needed to enable development groups to adopt these programs. CEF is designed for organized, stable industries.
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669332pmid: N/A
Abstract This paper evaluates the impact of legume forages and cottonseed meal on dairy cow productivity during the dry season and identifies, with farmer participation, the advantages and disadvantages of widespread planting of forage crops. It is based on a study of 67 Méré cows divided into three groups: control group (32). improved ration (24) and housed cows (11). Average production for dairy cows in holdings, improved rations and the control group were 1.5, 0.85 and 0.44 liters per day−1 respectively. Large farms seemed favourable to forage production and cow supplementation.
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669333pmid: N/A
Abstract Many financially-strapped countries facing substantial population growth are seeking effective, low-cost ways to meet Education for All 2015 goals and deal with rising demands for education. Massive recruitment of non-professional, volunteer, and contractual teachers with precarious contracts is one method being used. In Niger, this category of teachers represented barely 17% of total teaching staff, and stood at 78% in 2007. This paper examines their level of satisfaction with teaching and compares it to that of professional teachers with permanent contracts and associated benefits. Data from PASEC evaluations conducted in Niger is used to illustrate that primary teacher status is not as strongly tied to job satisfaction as length of service.
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669334pmid: N/A
Abstract This paper provides an analysis of the impact of maternal prenatal visits on birth weight of newborns in Togo. The results of econometric estimations based on the national MICS-3 survey of 2006 show that (a) the number of maternal prenatal visits has a statistically significant impact on the weight of the newborn; (b) the other determining factors in newborn weight are the mother's age, newborn gender and household environment; and (c) mother's age and education level as well as nonmonetary wealth assets all influence the likelihood of prenatal visits.
Shankar, Bhavani; Posri, Wilatsana; Srivong, Teeradej
doi: 10.1080/02255189.2010.9669335pmid: N/A
Abstract This study explores the implications of supermarket expansion in the developing world for actors, particularly small-scale farmers, along the supply chains, by examining a case from Thailand. Supermarkets exert monopsonistic power by pushing a range of processing and marketing costs on to suppliers and instituting a short-term tendering process among suppliers. The scale of the farming operation is not a barrier to entering the chain, but important financial and social capital investments are necessary. Returns compared to traditional farming can be high, and appear sustainable at least in the medium term.
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