Stakeholders’ Interaction and Sustainable Rural Development Implementation Challenges in Kom, Western Highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

Rural development stakeholder support is an essential strategy for the initiation, operation, and implementation of sustainable of development interventions, especially in geographically-biased highland regions, characterised by diverse stakeholder development interests. This paper sought to analyze the interaction of rural development stakeholders and the challenges linked to the implementation of sustainable rural development initiatives in the Kom Highlands of Cameroon. Primary data was obtained through semi-structured, in-depth interviews. The data was analysed using content analysis, while a spatial picture, based on slope gradient was presented. Results showed that rural development is strongly determined by slope gradients of this highland community, with an array of diverse rural development experts (organizations, local councils, government ministries and development-oriented non-governmental organizations) operating mainly with local communities and organizations. The use of stakeholder theory thus appeared significant in understanding stakeholders’ goals for implementing of sustainable rural development.