Innovation Diffusion in Land Resource Use Practices Around Cameroon’s Hollow Frontiers

Harry Wirngo Mairomi, Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi (), Nyong Princely Awazi, Suiven John Paul Tume, Tosam Hycinth Ngong and Banseka JaneFrances Yenlajai
Additional contact information
Harry Wirngo Mairomi: Department of Geography, Higher Teacher Training College, The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi: Department of Geography, Higher Teacher Training College, The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
Nyong Princely Awazi: Department of Forestry and Wildlife Technology, College of Technology (COLTECH), The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
Suiven John Paul Tume: Department of Geography and Planning, Faculty of Arts, The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
Tosam Hycinth Ngong: Department of Maritime Transport, Higher Institute of Transport and Logistics, The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon
Banseka JaneFrances Yenlajai: Department of Geography and Planning, Faculty of Arts, The University of Bamenda, Bambili P.O. Box 39, Cameroon

Land, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: Innovation diffusion has been extensively explored in several contexts, with little application to hollow frontiers—economically attractive areas with resource opportunities. This dearth of scientific data bedevils the design of resource-planning approaches for hollow frontiers. Using the innovation diffusion model as an analytical lens, this study; (1) maps key resources and actors engaged in the Mungo corridor hollow frontier, (2) analyzes the differential patterns of innovation and the forces that drive them, and (3) explores the management implications of resource-linked innovation diffusion. A random sample of 100 households was conducted in the Njombe-Penja communities of the Mungo Corridor. The analysis reveals the following: Firstly, rich fertile soils, forests, quarries and water resources are the key resources exploited by farmers, bureaucrats, businessmen, NGOs and other enterprises who constitute the key innovation actors in Njombe-Penja. Secondly, differential patterns of innovation exist, with techniques and products introduced by companies/state departments to farmers and by NGOs and technical/research departments to communities and state, private and community-based enterprises. This leads to varied resource use outcomes. Innovations are significant in the domain of agriculture (62%) and quarrying (65%), moderately significant in the forest sector (55%) and least significant in water resources (48%). Economic (63%), natural (25%), socio-cultural (23.7%) and political drivers (50%) explain the diverse outcomes linked to innovation diffusion. Finally, the most significant implications of innovations are in the domain of agriculture through improved cropping systems and the use of disease-resistant species. Here, specialization in cash crop cultivation and fruit culture (white pepper, pawpaw, pineapples) is predominant. Additionally, this sector has witnessed the introduction of new methods of cultivation. The least significant implications were recorded for forest use practices. Innovations sustain new dynamics for this resource-rich area and provide new opportunities for reflections on reorganizing resource use for successful management. Power manifestations in the context of the diffusion of innovations are new areas to consider for further research.

Keywords: innovation diffusion; resource use practices; hollow frontiers; Mungo Corridor; Cameroon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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