Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Small Scale Coffee and Oil Palm Plantations in the Menchum South, North West Region of Cameroon

Abstract: The establishment of agro-plantations in different parts of the world has been greeted as one of activities towards socio-economic development. Whilst this has been received with fanfare by the private and public sector, the dynamics of agro-plantations should not be underestimated. This study aims to investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of small scale coffee and oil palm plantations in the Menchum South. The study stems from the fact that coffee and oil palm present differential dynamics in terms of spatial growth and surface area occupied over time. In essence, the spatio-temporal dynamism of small scale coffee and oil palm plantations is controlled by certain parameters. This study employed a survey research design that was corroborated with the use of primary and secondary sources of data collection techniques. Through primary sources of data collection, a systematic field observation and administration of 142 copies of questionnaires were used in the 8 sampled villages within the Menchum South. The copies of questionnaire were distributed specifically to coffee and oil palm plantation owners using a purposive sampling technique. Findings revealed a significant change in the spatio-temporal dynamics of small scale coffee and oil palm plantations in the Menchum South. The results of map to map analysis indicate 11.57km2 declined in the surface area under coffee plantation between 1994 and 2024 while oil palm plantation experienced an increase of 22.23km2 between 1994 and 2024. The results further revealed that the search for suitable climatic conditions (6.3%), the availability of cheap labour (12.0%) and access to financial credibility (9.9%), influence of topography and soil (19.7%) and the desire to invest (25.4%) accounted for the dynamic parameters of the plantations. The study recommends a shift from small to large scale plantations, adequate funding and provision of resources to plantationists by government agencies and NGOs and modernization of agro-plantation activities to ensure sustainable oil palm productivity.