Developing a Sustainable Economy in Cameroon

Foreword

Foreword Developing a Sustainable Economy in Cameroon is an ambitious effort as the authors try to set a blue print for Cameroon's economy. In the 1980s facing economic crisis, and as dictated by the structural adjustment programme, Cameroon sharply cut public investment expenditures before later cutting government consumption which were followed by privatisation, liquidation of public companies and reduction in the size of the public sector. All these measures are believed to have had devastating effects on the economy. Given the performance of the economy so far the authors suggest that much more effort, with a strong commitment of the main stakeholders, is required to guarantee sustainable economic development in Cameroon. Truly, very few countries in Africa possess such enormous human and natural resources as Cameroon does. This volume brings out the challenges Cameroon faces in its quest for development as well as for designing appropriate strategies for addressing those development challenges. The economic literature hardly says how economic restructuring on expansionary macroeconomic policies can directly benefit the poor. Here, the book demonstrates the importance of rural-urban linkages and resource flow which are crucial for sustainable development. The volume rigorously brings out policies on rural development which can move people out of poverty. In fact, the volume provides a solid theoretical framework and empirical analyses on the economy of Cameroon with strategies for promoting, implementing and achieving sustainable growth and development, thus providing excellent inputs to the policy making process as well as serving as a valuable text for students and the general reader. The thinking reflected in this volume will greatly contribute to the improvement and sustained economic development in Cameroon. Professor Jean Tabi Manga, Rector, University of Yaounde II, Cameroon ...