Abstract

This research is base on Community development particularly KECUDA development to Kejom Ketingu. Community participation through cultural associations is the secret of self the success of self – Help projects in the grass fields of Cameroon. This study seeks to examine the role of KECUDA in the socio-economic development of Kedjom Ketinguh. The study seeks to identify the basic problem of Kejom Ketinguh and how KECUDA has intervened in solving these problems.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION AND METHODOLOGY

1.0 General Introduction

Africa in general and Cameroon, in particular, have been faced with the persisting issue or crisis of development. This has been an overwhelming impact on the vast rural population, subjecting it to unprecedented economic and social dislocation. Many rural areas are finding it difficult to cope with the issue of development. The situation has been worsened by the increasing problem of the state’s inability to respond effectively and adequately to the problem.

Community development associations have thus developed to curb these crisis situations. Community participation through cultural associations is the secret of self the success of self – Help projects in the grass fields of Cameroon. Participation is both in kind and in cash. There is usually a lot of enthusiasm from the community to participate in projects since the adoption of projects is arrived at through consensus and these projects must meet the aspirations of all classes of the society.

It is against the backdrop that some community development associations like the case with KECUDA in the Kejom Ketinguh   Babanki village in Cameroon is considered. Participation in community development is the cornerstone of the community development process. Concerned for the reduction of inequalities and for alleviation of poverty drew attention to rural areas where the majority of the world’s poor reside.

1.1 Background to the Study

KECUDA is an acronym for Kejom Ketinguh Babanki cultural and development association. It is an umbrella association that pilots all cultural and development activities within Kejom Ketinguh clan, that it should be noted is one of the clans that makes up the Tubah subdivision of Northwest Region of Cameroon.

It spans across the entire landscape of Tubah sub–division located some 30km East of North West Region. It covers a land area of 1.39km2 (divisional service of town planning and housing Tubah division). It has a total population of 16,000 inhabitants. Its language is Kejom originating from the grass fields of Sabga and Bamesing.

KECUDA ( Kejom Ketinguh   cultural and Development Association)  was founded in Buea when a group of persons of Babanki origin resident in that part of the country group with the objectives of promoting unity and solidarity as well as economic, social, technical, and cultural development amongst the Kejom Ketinguh  people in diaspora and at home. At that time the association was called Kejom Ketinguh Union. With the evolution of events, the association changed its named to KECUDA in order to incorporate the cultural elements in its developmental drive.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this research is to examine the role and contributions of KECUDA in the development of Kejom Ketinguh  Babanki.

Kejom Ketinguh   is faced with many developmental issues such as poor roads, poor education, health facilities, water and electricity failure. All these inconveniences the growth and promotion of the development of Kejom Ketinguh   Babanki.

Kejom Ketinguh   lacks finances to carry out some projects, finance to employ, and bring more teachers to the village to come and teach and train villagers. The Kejom Ketinguh faces the problem of a low doctor to patient ratio, high cost of servicing good water. Many villages use the ell water and some the stream which has led to growth and increase of malaria, typhoid, cholera, dysentery just to name a few leading to lost lives.

Basic necessities such as toilet paper, matches, slippers, savon and omo etc are sometimes so scarce in Kejom Ketinguh. This is due to the none-availability of nearness to town and also the lack of cars and motorable roads to reach the town in order to acquire and get some of these necessities. Most villagers give up and they turn up formulating subsidies.

Limited schools and limited or fewer classrooms for students to study in. in Kejom Ketinguh   Babanki, there are limited schools both primary and secondary. Even with these limited schools, there is less or few classrooms for students to study in. pupils and students are taught under trees and some are taught in their homes, hence discouraging pupils and students to go to school and the growth of illiteracy increases.

In  Kejom Ketinguh villagers lives in old tatted and sundry houses. Most of them stay in hurts and farmhouses, this is due to under-development. The government focuses its developmental activities on urban areas, disregarding development in rural areas. As a result of this, villagers of Kejom Ketinguh   ends up migrating to towns and cities in order to experience and enjoy such good housing and living conditions.

1.3 Research Questions

This piece of work will set to provide answers to questions such as: –

1. By what means does Kejom Ketinguh get its budget or income?
2. What type of socio-economic development activities has KECUDA carried out in the Kejom Ketinguh clan community?
3. By what means does KECUDA carry out activities within the community?
4. To what extent has KECUDA lived up to expectations in improving the social and economic conditions in the Kejom Ketinguh community?