CONFLICT AND CHANGES IN POLITICAL CAPITAL: LIVELIHOOD EVIDENCE FROM MANYU IN THE SOUTHWEST REGION OF CAMEROON

Abstract The role of political capital in influencing livelihood outcomes across the world has gained currency in livelihood scholarship within different contexts. As a valuable and dynamic tool for exchange, political capital links individuals, groups to government/departments where they benefit from tax cuts, subsidies, access to loans and projects that enhance livelihoods and participation in communities. Households and communities not politically connected to governmental department or support governing parties have the risk of being disconnected from development trails. This may be exacerbated when households pick up arms against their governments as is the case with the ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, with implications on political capital. This exploratory study seeks to understand the changes in political capital from the ongoing conflict between 2015 and 2020. Through a purposive sampling process to select the study units, qualitative and quantitative data was collected using observation guide and key informant interviews for qualitative data and the questionnaire and interview guide for quantitative data. Armed conflicts lead to loss of personal political identity by limiting stock of political influence. Survival becomes a priority during conflicts than accumulation of political capital. A consensus be reached between the contending parties to foster participation, representation and recovery of political identity. Keywords: conflict, political capital. Livelihood, Southwest, Cameroon