Cameroon: Wabane, An Agrarian but Underdeveloped and Enclaved Sub-Division (1995-2024)

Abstract

Located in Lebialem division of the South West Region of Cameroon, Wabane sub-division is one of the bread baskets of this region. Agriculture occupies at least 95 percent of its production capacity. This is thanks to the abundant biodiversity of this sub division. However, this paper argues that despite the natural endowments of this sub division, it remains one of the most underdeveloped and enclaved in Cameroon. Therefore, the objective of this study is to present the agricultural potentials of Wabane and the difficulties of taping these resources for the wellbeing of the people and development of this area. An assembly of bits and pieces of this study were thanks to a combination of empirical data from primary, secondary, tertiary and iconographic sources, guided by the qualitative method of research. Data obtained from the review of selected literature revealed that Wabane can be an economic hub in the Central African sub region. It can supply both food and cash crops not only in Cameroon but to neighbouring Nigeria, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Chad and Central African Republic. But the paper observed with dismay the degree of enclavement and underdevelopment; poor road network and the absence of social facilities. The research concluded that this basically agrarian economy can be of great contribution to the economy of Cameroon should the government redeem the misery of these peasants by linking this sub-division to sister sub-divisions of Lebialem and other divisions in the South West, West and North West regions and develop farm-to-market roads, provide training and modern farm tools, improve seeds to farmers, ensure electricity and storage facilities, health facilities and personnel and pipe born water to the people.