Ricinodendron heudelotii (njansang) group sales: a possibility to increase benefits from AFTPs to farmers

Abstract

Market access proponents argue that for small holders to thrive in a global economy there is the need to shift the focus from production based programmes to that of marketing based interventions (Barham and Chitemi, 2009). In tune with this perception, much development related programmes have facilitated the establishments of new and strengthening of existing farming groups as a means to enhance farmers’ market access through group marketing and extension market related innovation activities in many parts of Cameroon (Facheaux et al, 2006).This article assesses the effect of group sales on the marketing performance of Kola using the Collective Action Theory (CAT) as a framework for analysis. The article recommends strategies for future implementation of collective action activities by managers of Governmental and Non Governmental Organisations working to improve farmers’ livelihoods. Twantoh Mixed Farming Common Initiative Group (MIFACIG) was used as case study for this research. A qualitative research approach is used to obtain in depth information about the operations of the farmer groups in the selected villages. The methodology is clearly delineated from the previous studies on collective action of farmers such as Barham and Chitemi (2009) which are predominantly quantitative in nature. In view of the limitations of traditional quantitative bases for knowledge (Goulding, 1998, Somogyi et al, 2010), the qualitative research approach which is adopted