Role of Local and External Development Agencies in the Implementation of Development Projects within the Context of Conflict and Insecurity: Case of the Southwest Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The reemergence of conflict in the Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon since 2016, has greatly impacted socioeconomic activities and the execution of development projects within the two regions in Cameroon. According to the Public Investment Budget (PIB) in Cameroon, the Northwest and Southwest regions have seen varied performances in terms of project execution. In 2022, the Northwest region reported an execution rate of 87.86%, which is commendable given the security challenges in the Anglophone regions. On the other hand, the Southwest region had a lower execution rate of 73.6%. These figures reflect the complex dynamics of project implementation in these regions, where factors such as the security crisis and project management efficiency play significant roles. However, most development projects within these regions have been halted, witnessing stagnation, development workers attacked and some areas marked as red zones, which makes it difficult to agree with the success rate of the Public Investment Budget, especially in the Southwest region of Cameroon. This research examines the role of local and external development agencies in project execution and the impacts of conflict and insecurity on development within the Southwest region of Cameroon. The study made use of the conflict and development theory which examines the development efforts that are being implored by different structures and how they manage the impacts of insecurity on development. Also, this paper looks at the different ways in which conflict and insecurity have influenced the livelihood of the people in the Southwest region. This paper makes use of quantitative research method with empirical data obtained through interviews and the use of development evaluation forms and structured interview guides. This paper revealed that, despite the efforts to implement significant development activities by development agencies, conflict and insecurity remain an impediment to the implementation and execution of development projects in most parts of the Southwest region, especially in rural areas. However, some parts of the region such as Tiko, Buea, Mutegene, Kumba and Limbe continue to witness development growth due to some level of security as a result of political, administrative and socio-economic functions.