Culture entrepreneuriale et autonomisation de la femme baka : cas de l’exploitation du mbalaka à l’est Cameroun

Abstract

The theme of this research is, “Entrepreneurial culture and empowerment of Baka women: case of mbalaka exploitation in Eastern Cameroon”. Which highlights the persistent challenges faced by aka women in Cameroon despite international recognition of their indigenous rights and the united ations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in 2007, they continue to face social and political exclusion. The exploitation of mbalaka, essential to their cultural and economic identity, is hampered by socio-economic obstacles and limited recognition of their land and cultural rights; this gap between the literature and field observations poses the problem of difficulty of integration. socio-economic of the Baka woman in the exploitation of mbalaka. The main question that arises from this subject is: How does entrepreneurial culture promote the integration of Baka women into mbalaka exploitation? From this main question, the following secondary questions arise: What is the process of exploitation of mbalaka by Baka women in Eastern Cameroon? What are the Baka economic activities that revolve around the exploitation of mbalaka by women in Eastern Cameroon? What is the symbolism and prospects for the exploitation of mbalaka by women living on the Mindourou - Lomié section? The hypotheses proposed are as follows: the main hypothesis which is the entrepreneurial culture promotes the empowerment of Baka women in the exploitation of mbalaka, and the specific hypotheses are as follows: The process of exploitation of mbalaka by women Baka goes through the mbalaka players who are mainly the pickers, relays, collectors, and wholesalers and marketing on the different markets. The economic activities that revolve around the exploitation of mbalaka are mainly fishing, crafts, agriculture, picking and collection of NTFPs. The mbalaka symbolizes an economic resource, the strength, resilience and empowerment of Baka women. It is also a symbol of social transformation, illustrating a traditional activity that can strengthen entrepreneurial culture, improve access to economic resources, and promote social justice and gender equality within the community. To collect data, we used a methodology combining documentary research, field observations and guided interviews. The results showing that Baka women stand out for their remarkable resilience and ability to navigate difficult economic environments through their engagement in mbalaka harvesting and participation in local markets. They base their entrepreneurial culture on cooperation, solidarity and an approach respectful of biodiversity, thus strengthening their economic autonomy while preserving their cultural identity. Customary rights play a crucial role in ensuring social cohesion and justice within their community. For them, the mbalaka symbolizes strength, resilience and empowerment.