Conservation Balance between Man’s Need and Ecological Functions in Ajei Forest Area, Momo Division, Cameroon

Abstract

Understanding the place of man in the ecology range has always been an important issue in geography. Most humans depend on agriculture and natural resources for their livelihoods. Owing to this relationship, most salient consequences trigger disconnects between man and ecological services. This paper examines the contribution of land use patterns on the improvement of human needs and ecological services in Ajei forest area. The methodology consisted of primary and secondary data: questionnaires, focus groups and interviews. Landsat Satellite Images (LANDSAT, 1986,2020 and ASTER, 2003, 2007 and 2020) were used respectively. Secondary data were sourced from diverse specific literature backgrounds. The data gotten were analyzed using descriptive approach, presented in the form of graphs. Findings revealed that, in Ajie area, man highly depends on diverse resources for survival. Land use indicators further show that: agriculture (37.4%) is the principal drive of land use patterns followed by population growth (31.3%), settlement (10%), knowledge on increased ecological conservation (8.3%), accessibility (8%) and knowledge on increase deforestation (5.1%) while government, traditional establishments, NGOs and individual, were the main local pro-conservative minded stakeholders. In spite of the above pointers, there were land use challenges faced by the community which consisted of topography variations, slope steepness, institutional disparity, socio-economic and environmental constraints. The paper suggests that, to attain a balance between man and ecological functions, there is a need to embrace a veritable conservation tactics by both stakeholders: a more comprehensive ecosystem management strategy. Implement land-use and land-management practices that are compatible with the natural and potential of the area, while emphasizing much more concern on adaptive management approach.