Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon

Bailack Kevin Mbuh

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Research Article |

| Peer-Reviewed

Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon

Bailack Kevin Mbuh^*

Published in American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics (Volume 11, Issue 1)

Received: 24 January 2026 Accepted: 3 February 2026 Published: 11 February 2026

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

Abstract

Land resource management approaches have often generated complex challenges that manifest in unsustainable practices and outcomes. In Bui Division, there exist veritable geographical absurdities in land resource management approaches depicted in ecological dynamics, scarce land-based resources under degradation, uncontrolled exploitation in sensitive milieus and vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. Planning irrationalities exist in the political ecology manifest by imperialist philosophies. This study investigates the major approaches and socio-ecological drivers influencing land resource management in highlands areas. Primary data were collected through direct observations, 504 questionnaires, formal and informal interviews in the three tribal communities, representing 20% of the population. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Findings reveal diverse land resource management approaches marked by the dynamics of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interactions activities, interests, tools, approaches and socio-ecological drivers that significantly vary. Land acquisition and management approaches are guided by the Land Ordinance No 74-1 of 6th July 1974. The spatio-temporal dynamics displays 60% of the population employing participatory management approaches inclined on multiple socio-ecological drivers. Sustainable approaches (78%) are associated with strong relationships between intercommunity management interests, activities, tools and approaches. This study posits that holistic community participatory approaches are suitable land management signatures reversing the current tragedy of the commons and promoting resource sustainability. This is increasingly evident in highland vulnerable areas where the general welfare of all and sundry is primordial and ought to be valued and sustained.

Published in	American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics (Volume 11, Issue 1)
DOI	10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
Page(s)	1-13
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2026. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Highland, Indigenous Knowledge, Land Resources, Management Approaches, Tribal Communities

References

[1]	Gomes, B. C. Renato, A. F. Rodriguesb, J. and Augusto, L. D. (2019). Geospatial analysis of land and water uses and potential conflicts in the microregion of Ceres, Goiás, Brazil. Journal of Sustainability in Debate - Brasília, 10(3), 22-34.
[2]	Halling, K., Guoyi H., Mans, N., Lazarus, M., and Erickson, P. (2020). The new geopolitics of environmental constraints, changing ecosystems and resources. Stockholm Environment Institute. 202 p.
[3]	Hanne L., Thaworn O., and Phrek G. (2018). Building Local Capacities in Natural Resources Management for Food Security in the Highlands of Northern Thailand. Report on the International Conference on Asian Highland Natural Resources Management, Asia HiLand. 8 p.
[4]	Mbanga, L. A. and Bailack, K. M. (2019). Land Resource Management for Sustainability in the Oku-Mbessa Highlands, North West Region, Cameroon. International Journal of Natural Resource Ecology and Management, 4(6), 173-182.
[5]	Bailack, K. M., Suiven J. P. T. and Akuo C. B. (2023). Agrarian land management dynamics and crop production: insights from the Bui Highlands of Cameroon. Journal of Advance Research in Food, Agriculture and Environmental Science. Volume-9/Issue-2/Feb, 2023.
[6]	Folke, C., Biggs, R., Norström, A. V., Reyers, B., & Rockström, J. (2016). Social–ecological resilience and biosphere-based sustainability science. Ecology and Society, 21(3), 41-56.
[7]	Mustafa, K.& Adem A. (2025). Environmental attitudes of producers for conservation and sustainability of wetlands; Seyfe Lake Wetland-Turkiye. Global Nest Journal, 27(5), 1-11. https//doi.org/10.30955/gnj07051
[8]	UNO (2012). Sustainable land use for the 21st Century. Hand Book. 195 p.
[9]	Andrej, L. (2015). Sustainability in Land Management: An Analysis of Stakeholder Perceptions in Rural Northern Germany. Institute of Socio-Economics, Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF). 2071-1050. Available at www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability Consulted on 11/6/2021.
[10]	Pretty, J., & Smith, D. (2020). Social capital in biodiversity conservation. Conservation Biology, 34(1), 35–44.
[11]	FAO. (2017). Land resource planning for sustainable land management. Land and water division working paper, 14 p.
[12]	European Union. (2016). Report on EU global action on sustainable land management. Report 2021. 212 p.
[13]	Vo, T. S. (2022). Evaluation of ecosystem service changes due to land use and land cover dynamics in Cham Chu Nature Reserve. Environment and Natural Resources Journal. 20(1), 73-88.
[14]	AjebeNnoko, H. (2024). Scaling-up Community Participatory Mapping and Land Use Planning to reinforce customary land governance for multi-stakeholder engagement on sustainable investments and trade on land in Southwest Cameroon. African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences, 7(1), 126–147.
[15]	Kariuki M. (2015). Natural resource and conflict management in East Africa. Paper presented at the first NCMG East African ADR Summit held at the Windsor Golf Hotel, Nairobi on the 25th and 26th September, 2014.
[16]	Bailack K. M. and Mbanga L. A. (2021). Stakeholders’ Interactions and Land Management Options in Bui Division, North West Region of Cameroon. Journal of Geography, Environment and Earth Science International. 25(10): 61-76.
[17]	Bailack K. M. (2025). Environmental Resource Conflicts: Triggers and Mitigation Perspectives in Bui Division of Cameroon. Journal of Education and Psychological Sciences (JEPS), A Multidisciplinary Journal. 1(2), 164-185.
[18]	Kimengsi, J. N., & Fogwe, Z. N. (2019). Land use dynamics in the Bamenda Highlands. Journal of Land Use Science, 14(2), 89–104.
[19]	Bailack, K. M. (2022). Geographical considerations and management of land-based resource in Bui Division, Northwest Region of Cameroon. Unpublished PhD Thesis, Department of Geography and Planning, The University of Bamenda, 460 p.
[20]	Divisional Delegation, MINDCAF, Bui. (2022). Annual Report on Land administration activities Bui Division. Unpublished. 22 p.
[21]	Tume, S. J. P., & Maghah, J. A., (2021). Challenges to Climate Change Adaptation in the Agricultural Sector of Bui Division, North West Region, Cameroon. International Journal of Resource and Environmental Management, 6(1), 55-68.
[22]	Babuh U. M. S. and Nautiyal S. (2013) Historical issues and perspectives of land resource management in India. A review of the institute for social and economic and social change, Bangalore. Working paper series 309. 165 p.
[23]	Ostrom, E. (2015). Governing the commons: The evolution of institutions for collective action. Cambridge University Press.
[24]	Scherzinger, F., Schädler, M., Reitz, T. (2024). Sustainable land management enhances ecological and economic multifunctionality under ambient and future climate. Nature Communications, 15, 4930.
[25]	Arntzen, J., Molokomme, D., Terry, N., Molele, N., Tshosa, O. and Mazambani, D. (2020). Final Report of the Review of Community-based Natural Resource Management in Botswana, Report prepared by the Centre for Applied Research for the National CBNRM Forum, Gaborone, Botswana. 43 p.
[26]	Bigombe Logo, P., & Amungwa, F. (2018). Land conflicts and governance in Cameroon. African Journal of Public Affairs, 10(2), 65–82.

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mbuh, B. K. (2026). Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics, 11(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mbuh, B. K. Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. Am. J. Environ. Resour. Econ. 2026, 11(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mbuh BK. Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. Am J Environ Resour Econ. 2026;11(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11,
  author = {Bailack Kevin Mbuh},
  title = {Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajere.20261101.11},
  abstract = {Land resource management approaches have often generated complex challenges that manifest in unsustainable practices and outcomes. In Bui Division, there exist veritable geographical absurdities in land resource management approaches depicted in ecological dynamics, scarce land-based resources under degradation, uncontrolled exploitation in sensitive milieus and vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. Planning irrationalities exist in the political ecology manifest by imperialist philosophies. This study investigates the major approaches and socio-ecological drivers influencing land resource management in highlands areas. Primary data were collected through direct observations, 504 questionnaires, formal and informal interviews in the three tribal communities, representing 20% of the population. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Findings reveal diverse land resource management approaches marked by the dynamics of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interactions activities, interests, tools, approaches and socio-ecological drivers that significantly vary. Land acquisition and management approaches are guided by the Land Ordinance No 74-1 of 6th July 1974. The spatio-temporal dynamics displays 60% of the population employing participatory management approaches inclined on multiple socio-ecological drivers. Sustainable approaches (78%) are associated with strong relationships between intercommunity management interests, activities, tools and approaches. This study posits that holistic community participatory approaches are suitable land management signatures reversing the current tragedy of the commons and promoting resource sustainability. This is increasingly evident in highland vulnerable areas where the general welfare of all and sundry is primordial and ought to be valued and sustained.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon
AU  - Bailack Kevin Mbuh
Y1  - 2026/02/11
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
T2  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
JF  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
JO  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-787X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
AB  - Land resource management approaches have often generated complex challenges that manifest in unsustainable practices and outcomes. In Bui Division, there exist veritable geographical absurdities in land resource management approaches depicted in ecological dynamics, scarce land-based resources under degradation, uncontrolled exploitation in sensitive milieus and vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. Planning irrationalities exist in the political ecology manifest by imperialist philosophies. This study investigates the major approaches and socio-ecological drivers influencing land resource management in highlands areas. Primary data were collected through direct observations, 504 questionnaires, formal and informal interviews in the three tribal communities, representing 20% of the population. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Findings reveal diverse land resource management approaches marked by the dynamics of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interactions activities, interests, tools, approaches and socio-ecological drivers that significantly vary. Land acquisition and management approaches are guided by the Land Ordinance No 74-1 of 6th July 1974. The spatio-temporal dynamics displays 60% of the population employing participatory management approaches inclined on multiple socio-ecological drivers. Sustainable approaches (78%) are associated with strong relationships between intercommunity management interests, activities, tools and approaches. This study posits that holistic community participatory approaches are suitable land management signatures reversing the current tragedy of the commons and promoting resource sustainability. This is increasingly evident in highland vulnerable areas where the general welfare of all and sundry is primordial and ought to be valued and sustained.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Bailack Kevin Mbuh

Institute of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bamenda University of Science and Technology (BUST), Bamenda, Cameroon

Contact Email

http://orcid.org/0009-0008-5984-5688

Download PDF

Submit an Article

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Mbuh, B. K. (2026). Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics, 11(1), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Mbuh, B. K. Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. Am. J. Environ. Resour. Econ. 2026, 11(1), 1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Mbuh BK. Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon. Am J Environ Resour Econ. 2026;11(1):1-13. doi: 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11,
  author = {Bailack Kevin Mbuh},
  title = {Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon},
  journal = {American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics},
  volume = {11},
  number = {1},
  pages = {1-13},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajere.20261101.11},
  abstract = {Land resource management approaches have often generated complex challenges that manifest in unsustainable practices and outcomes. In Bui Division, there exist veritable geographical absurdities in land resource management approaches depicted in ecological dynamics, scarce land-based resources under degradation, uncontrolled exploitation in sensitive milieus and vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. Planning irrationalities exist in the political ecology manifest by imperialist philosophies. This study investigates the major approaches and socio-ecological drivers influencing land resource management in highlands areas. Primary data were collected through direct observations, 504 questionnaires, formal and informal interviews in the three tribal communities, representing 20% of the population. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Findings reveal diverse land resource management approaches marked by the dynamics of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interactions activities, interests, tools, approaches and socio-ecological drivers that significantly vary. Land acquisition and management approaches are guided by the Land Ordinance No 74-1 of 6th July 1974. The spatio-temporal dynamics displays 60% of the population employing participatory management approaches inclined on multiple socio-ecological drivers. Sustainable approaches (78%) are associated with strong relationships between intercommunity management interests, activities, tools and approaches. This study posits that holistic community participatory approaches are suitable land management signatures reversing the current tragedy of the commons and promoting resource sustainability. This is increasingly evident in highland vulnerable areas where the general welfare of all and sundry is primordial and ought to be valued and sustained.},
 year = {2026}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Approaches and Drivers of Land Resource Management in Highland Communities: Reflections from Bui Division, Cameroon
AU  - Bailack Kevin Mbuh
Y1  - 2026/02/11
PY  - 2026
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
T2  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
JF  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
JO  - American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics
SP  - 1
EP  - 13
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2578-787X
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20261101.11
AB  - Land resource management approaches have often generated complex challenges that manifest in unsustainable practices and outcomes. In Bui Division, there exist veritable geographical absurdities in land resource management approaches depicted in ecological dynamics, scarce land-based resources under degradation, uncontrolled exploitation in sensitive milieus and vulnerability to natural and man-made hazards. Planning irrationalities exist in the political ecology manifest by imperialist philosophies. This study investigates the major approaches and socio-ecological drivers influencing land resource management in highlands areas. Primary data were collected through direct observations, 504 questionnaires, formal and informal interviews in the three tribal communities, representing 20% of the population. Secondary data were obtained from published and unpublished sources. Findings reveal diverse land resource management approaches marked by the dynamics of multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder interactions activities, interests, tools, approaches and socio-ecological drivers that significantly vary. Land acquisition and management approaches are guided by the Land Ordinance No 74-1 of 6th July 1974. The spatio-temporal dynamics displays 60% of the population employing participatory management approaches inclined on multiple socio-ecological drivers. Sustainable approaches (78%) are associated with strong relationships between intercommunity management interests, activities, tools and approaches. This study posits that holistic community participatory approaches are suitable land management signatures reversing the current tragedy of the commons and promoting resource sustainability. This is increasingly evident in highland vulnerable areas where the general welfare of all and sundry is primordial and ought to be valued and sustained.
VL  - 11
IS  - 1
ER  -

Copy | Download