Social Solidarity Economy and village-centric development in North-West Cameroon

Journal article

Che, Charles Fonchingong and Mbah, Marcellus 2021. Social Solidarity Economy and village-centric development in North-West Cameroon. The International Journal of Community and Social Development. 3 (2), pp. 126-144. https://doi.org/10.1177/25166026211015474
AuthorsChe, Charles Fonchingong and Mbah, Marcellus
AbstractAmidst shrinking budgets for community development in most of sub-Saharan Africa, the social solidarity economy is touted as a model in local development. This article situates solidarity initiatives and capability-focused outcomes that deliver enhanced livelihoods, social security and community development. The conceptual framing of social theory, social capital and social economy informs this case study with focus on the Ndong Awing Cultural and Development Association, North-West region, Cameroon. The analysis of semi-structured interviews and secondary sources suggests that solidarity networks such as njangis, cooperatives, quarter development unions and diaspora networks promote village-centric development. These overlapping networks generate scarce financial and human resources–essential packages for livelihoods and welfare. Emerging state policy is yet to calibrate these mechanisms of ground-up, mutual development drives. Galvanising these solidarity assets require meaningful co-productionand revamped state−community relations. This article offers a paradigm shift in how village groups mobilise income, capital and financing of village projects, nurtured through human development and agency.
KeywordsEconomics; Cameroon; Society; West Africa; Community; Villages
Year2021
JournalThe International Journal of Community and Social Development
Journal citation3 (2), pp. 126-144
PublisherSAGE
ISSN2516-6026
2516-6034
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/25166026211015474
Official URLhttps://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/25166026211015474
Publication dates
Online31 May 2021
Publication process dates
Deposited14 Jun 2021
Publisher's version
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Output statusPublished
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