Exploring household forest dependency: Socio-economic drivers, resource utilisation, and conservation challenges in eastern Cameroon

Tropical forests play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods while providing essential ecosystem services at global, regional, and local scales. However, increasing human pressure and changing socio-economic dynamics threaten the balance between conservation goals and community subsistence needs. In tropical regions, household dependence on forest resources is influenced by complex socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study, conducted in 10 villages adjacent to the Angossas Community Forest (ACF) in eastern Cameroon, assessed how socioeconomic and demographic factors shape forest dependence and local sustainability strategies. Using stratified random sampling, 223 households were surveyed using semi-structured questionnaires, which captured demographic, cultural, and socio-economic variables through both closed- and open-ended recall questions. The methodology integrated descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis), binary logistic regressions, and interdependence tests. The Dependency Index (EDI) was estimated at 0.15, indicating that 78.38% of households were dependent on forest resources. Dependence levels varied significantly across forest product categories ( p < 0.05), particularly for timber (15.42%), traditional medicine (16.14%), food (14.22%), cultural practices (13.98%), and handicrafts (12.53%). Regression analysis revealed that education level significantly influenced subsistence use (β = -0.165; p = 0.015) and medicinal plant collection (β = 1.605; p = 0.030). Gender (β = 1.860; p = 0.001) and age (β = 0.624; p = 0.028) were identified as key determinants for timber extraction and agricultural practices. Tree felling was the most prevalent activity (64.04%), while 82.09% of the population engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture. Intensive exploitation affected 41.75% of resources, resulting in species depletion. Our study findings highlight the need to integrate socio-economic factors into forest management policies. Community-based strategies should be strengthened with targeted support and rigorous monitoring to ensure sustainable use of forest resources while safeguarding rural livelihoods.