Abstract

The elderly population in the North West Region of Cameroon faces significant socio-economic challenges, including marginalization, poverty, and limited access to healthcare and social services. The Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance (CDVTA) has emerged as a pivotal organization dedicated to promoting the rights and improving the livelihoods of the elderly in this region. This study investigates the role of CDVTA in addressing the rights and livelihood challenges of the elderly, assessing the effectiveness of its interventions and identifying the obstacles it encounters. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews with elderly beneficiaries, CDVTA staff, and community leaders. The findings highlight that CDVTA’s initiatives, such as healthcare services, income-generating activities, and social support networks, have significantly enhanced the quality of life for the elderly. However, the organization faces substantial challenges, including resource constraints, socio-cultural barriers, and infrastructural deficiencies. This study underscores the importance of community-based interventions in promoting elderly rights and suggests strategies for enhancing the impact and sustainability of such programs. The research contributes to the broader discourse on aging in developing countries and provides actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders aiming to improve elderly care and support systems.

Keywords: Elderly Rights, Livelihoods, Community-Based Interventions, CDVTA, North West Region, Cameroon, Healthcare Services, Social Support, Aging, Poverty Alleviation

Background

The global demographic landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with the aging population increasing at an unprecedented rate. This trend poses substantial challenges, particularly in developing countries, where the elderly often face systemic neglect and socio-economic hardships (United Nations, 2020). In Cameroon, the elderly population is growing, and their socio-economic well-being has become a critical issue, especially in the North West Region. Here, elderly individuals often encounter marginalization, limited access to healthcare, and inadequate social services, exacerbating their vulnerability (Kinsella & Phillips, 2005).

The Community Development Volunteers for Technical Assistance (CDVTA) is a prominent non-governmental organization (NGO) in the North West Region of Cameroon, dedicated to advocating for the rights and improving the livelihoods of the elderly. Established in 1998, CDVTA has implemented numerous programs aimed at enhancing the well-being of the elderly through healthcare services, income-generating activities, and social support networks (CDVTA, 2021). These interventions are designed to empower the elderly, enabling them to lead dignified and productive lives.

Despite the efforts of CDVTA, the elderly in this region continue to face significant challenges. Infrastructural deficiencies, such as poor road networks and inadequate healthcare facilities, limit their access to essential services (Ndikumana & Boyce, 2018). Additionally, socio-cultural norms often marginalize the elderly, reducing their participation in community decision-making and economic activities. Financial constraints further exacerbate these issues, limiting the capacity of organizations like CDVTA to implement comprehensive support programs (IMF, 2021).

Statement of the Problem

The elderly population in the North West Region of Cameroon remains marginalized and underserved, facing significant socio-economic challenges. Despite the efforts of organizations like CDVTA, many elderly individuals continue to live in poverty, with limited access to healthcare, social services, and economic opportunities. The existing interventions have not fully addressed these challenges, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the specific needs and barriers faced by the elderly. Furthermore, CDVTA faces numerous challenges in its efforts to support the elderly, including resource constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and socio-cultural barriers. This study aims to investigate these issues, providing insights into the effectiveness of CDVTA’s interventions and identifying strategies to enhance their impact (HelpAge International, 2019).

Research Questions

1. What specific rights and livelihood challenges are faced by the elderly in the North West Region of Cameroon?
2. How does the CDVTA promote elderly rights and improve their livelihoods in this region?
3. What are the outcomes of CDVTA’s interventions on the lives of the elderly in the North West Region?
4. What challenges does CDVTA face in its efforts to support the elderly, and how can these be overcome?

Research Objectives

1. To identify the specific rights and livelihood challenges faced by the elderly in the North West Region of Cameroon.
2. To analyze the role of CDVTA in promoting elderly rights and improving their livelihoods.
3. To assess the outcomes of CDVTA’s interventions on the lives of the elderly in this region.
4. To identify the challenges faced by CDVTA in its efforts to support the elderly and propose strategies to overcome these challenges.

Hypotheses

1. H1: The elderly in the North West Region of Cameroon face significant challenges related to rights and livelihoods, including limited access to healthcare, social services, and economic opportunities.
2. H2: CDVTA’s interventions significantly promote the rights and improve the livelihoods of the elderly in the North West Region of Cameroon.
3. H3: The outcomes of CDVTA’s interventions lead to measurable improvements in the quality of life of the elderly in the North West Region.
4. H4: CDVTA faces significant challenges in its efforts to support the elderly, including resource constraints and socio-cultural barriers, which can be mitigated through strategic interventions and support.