The Importance of Women in the Conservation of the Rainforest of Mount Cameroon, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Women have a special relationship with nature and therefore may be more likely to protect it and their effective involvement in rainforest conservation programs would increase efficiency. Unfortunately, gender discrimination in Cameroon has prevented and hindered maximum contribution of women on the effective management of the rainforest. However, this study is focused on the conservation role of women in the management of rainforest. The research data collection for this study was accomplished by administering two hundred and fifty questionnaires to a randomly selected population of women in the study area. The research results has shown a positive correlation association between profession and the proper management of the rainforest by women (R² = 0.623, P<0.05). Moreover, the proper management of the rainforest by women and their participation has shown a significant association as well (χ² = 6.446 df=2, P<0.05). The contribution of women in the management of rainforest and their challenges have shown a significant link (χ² = 12.732 df=6, P<0.05). Furthermore, the survey has recorded a respondent score of 54.58% on the conservation of the rainforest as a key solution to its proper management. While women are seen as victims of environmental  degradation,  they  are  also  to  be  considered  as  actors  in  the  management process. Nevertheless,  for  sustainable  forest  management  to  be  achieved,  the  recognition  and inclusion of women in rainforest management activities is imperative.

Keywords: Women, Gender discrimination, Rainforest management, Conservation, Environmental degradation