Forest policy analysis praxis: Modelling the problem of forest loss in Cameroon

This study employs survey and ground truthing methodologies for determining individuals' concerns for forest loss and its environmental impacts in Cameroon. The aim of this practical modelling exercise is to acquire information from people experiencing actual conditions of forest loss on the ground. The information acquired through the modelling exercise is used to conceptualise people's concerns about the problem of forest loss in Cameroon. These concerns are aggregated into groups and qualitative public policy analysis methods (Benefit/Cost Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, and Multi-Goal Analysis) are used to facilitate the identification of goals, constraints and objectives. Based on identified goals, constrains and objectives, seven policy options are proposed to mitigate the problem of forest loss in Cameroon. The analysis in this study show that market failure, policy failure, institutional weakness, debt crises, and population growth are issues that intricately work together to produce the negative outcome that is being witnessed in the forest sector of Cameroon.