Resource Mobilisation and Management Practices for Sustainability: A Comparative Study of Farmers Organisations in Cameroon

Abstract

How best they manage and mobilise resources determines the sustainability of farmer organisations (CIGs and Cooperatives). Although they play an important role in the fight against food insecurity, many farmers’ organisations in Cameroon face resource constraints, jeopardizing their sustainability. This study investigates and compares the influence of resource mobilisation and management practices on Common Initiative Groups (CIGs) vis-a-vise Cooperatives sustainability in Cameroon. A stratified random sampling of 200 farmers’ organisations (100 CIGs and, 100 Cooperatives) was covered, using a quantitative & comparative research design. Data were collected primarily using structured questionnaires and distributed to organisational leaders. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, pairwise correlations, two-sample t-tests, ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions and interaction models with post-estimation margins analysis. Results revealed that Cooperatives have a significantly higher mean score than CIGs in terms of sustainability (mean = 3.58 vs 3.03, t = 6.61, p β = 0.286, p β = 0.462, p β = 0.312, p β = 0.323, p β = 0.320, p β = 0.332), human resources ( β = 0.428), and utilization ( β = 0.312) all demonstrate strong positive effects across cooperatives and CIGs as a whole, further examination of the interaction terms indicates that this trend does not hold true for cooperatives compared to CIGs when it comes to human resources ( β = ?0.451, p β = ?0.296, p < 0.05). On average, cooperatives are more sustainable (mean score: 3.58 vs 3.03 for CIGs, p < 0.001). Resource mobilisation and management practices are far better than that of CIGs. The results of the analysis emphasize that to achieve sustainability it is crucial to mobilize effort and manage resources; these factors have a variable effect related to organizational type of farmers. Given the stronger sustainability of Cooperatives, policymakers and stakeholders need to scale up support for CIGs thus would match the performance quotient. Strengthening the financial capabilities of CIGs to foster sustainable agribusiness in Cameroon.