Researcher Commitment, Implementation of Research Findings in Environmental Sciences in the Lake Chad Basin: The Role of Psychological Dispositions

Problems of environmental degradation are a reality that contributes considerably to the turmoil of the Lake Chad Basin (LCB) populations. However, these populations do not take to the solutions put forth to solve the problems posed by the scarcity or degradation of water, air, soil and vegetation. This research aims at exposing the psychological factors that hinder research engagement in Environmental Sciences. Likewise, it examines those factors that inhibit the willingness of research instigators and facilitators to invest in this field, and the psychological factors underlying the non-implementation of research findings. Thus, this study aims at exploring <i>how cognitive-affective factors of actors involved in environmental issues inhibit the researchers’ engagement in Environmental Sciences and the implementation of their findings in the LCB.</i> The population of study is that of Cameroon, Chad and Niger. Using the technique of reasoned action, data has been collected from independent and institutional researchers, institutional managers, stakeholders in charge of implementing research programmes and infrastructure in Environmental Sciences, beneficiaries, and students. It stems from the content analysis carried out that on the one hand, the psycho-affective dispositions of the beneficiaries and programme initiators inhibit the mental dispositions of the researchers, and on the other hand induces other psychological mechanisms of down looking Environmental Sciences with regard to other scientific fields.