list of figures - Terry Sunderland

Table 27. Major constraints to the development of the rattan sector in Cameroon. (Based on
number of responses).
Rank Constraint No. of responses
(n = 363)
1 Scarcity of raw material (rattan) 125
2 Competition between artisans (lack of custom) 52
3 Lack of technology for processing & transformation (labour intensive 44
4 Lack of capital 35
5 Open workshops and storage (adversely affected by weather) 33
6 High costs of inputs (nails, plywood etc) 28
7 High taxation (formal and informal) 19
8 Rattan considered “poor man’s furniture” 8
9 Transport of finished products to market 6
9 Poor quality of cane 6
11 Dangers of cutting cane in forest 3
12 Lack of artisanal union 2
12 Poor state of National Economy 2
Table 28. Recommendations of artisans for the stimulation of the rattan sector in Cameroon.
Rank Recommendation No. of responses
(n = 279)
1 Form artisan unions (price fixing) 56
2 Greater access to raw material 55
3 Provision of machinery for processing and transformation 38
4 Access to credit 27
5 Exhibition / promotion of rattan products 21
6 Central enclosed workshops 19
7 Training in improved artisan techniques for better quality products 18
8 Increased markets 16
9 State support in sector 12
10 Develop export markets 10
11 Lower prices for inputs (subsidies) 9
12 Cultivation of rattan 4
12 End of harassment by police and forestry officials 4
7.6 DISCUSSION
7.6.1 “La crise” and the increased reliance on forest products
It is clear from the surveys results presented above that a number of artisans originate
either from a high educational level and / or from previously successful professional
trades.
The main reason for this is due to the economic crisis that hit Cameroon in the late
1980’s and early 1990’s. The general world recession of the 1980’s that resulted in
falling prices of oil and agricultural produce (which accounts for 90% of GDP)
affected Cameroon deeply. This was compounded by a large and top heavy civil
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