CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This study is organized in three chapters. Chapter one provides a general introduction to the study. Chapter two presents a literature review embodying conceptual definitions, conceptual frameworks and scholarly work on strategic efforts put in by the human resource department to enable better employee performance. In addition, the literature review comprises of theoretical literature in which relevant theories related to the study is presented, as well as the empirical evidence in the work. Chapter three describes the methodology of the study. It entails the research design, background of the area of study, sample size and population of the study, sampling technique, and instrument of data collection, data analysis method, and ethical considerations alongside the questionnaire.

1.1 Background of the Study

The economies of most developing nations have largely depended on agriculture (plantations especially) for their economic take off. One of the legacies of the colonial masters in Africa was the establishment of plantations which in effect were a source of raw material for their home industries. In Cameroon for example, plantation agriculture under the CDC (the second largest employer after the government) Pamol and, SOCAPALM, among others, are legacies of European administration. The presence or creation of these plantations have been greeted with a lot of fanfare as they are believed to be agents of economic, social and infrastructural development (Kimengsi & Lambi, 2015; Forba, 2015; Fossung, 2001). No doubt, these plantations are good revenue generators and as such, they could be described as development agents. However, a close look at the living conditions of the majority of people reveals that the basic human development indices (food, shelter, water and clothing) for development seem to be far-fetched (cited in Karush, 1974). In major plantation camps in the world such as in East Kalimantan and in the Haitian Sugar cane plantations, similar situations of deprivation are observed (Haug, 2010; Cooper, 2006). Most plantation economies have been characterized by growth that does not benefit the masses. For instance, in the Philippines plantation development was ineffective in delivering growth that benefited the poor; the export-oriented economy was controlled by the landed elite, who adversely incorporated the poor into their plantations (Chronic Poverty Research Centre, 2009).

The plantation system creates non-economic forms of poverty within the sector, which in turn influences household economic decisions. It is also less than successful in creating a dynamic and profitable industry, and this additionally constrains the upward mobility of residents within the sector. A critical consequence is the residents’ feeling of exclusion and marginalization (CEPA, 2005). In the characterization of poverty and well-being in the estate sector of Srilanka, it is observed that while income and consumption (in terms of wages, household expenditure) are at the core of understanding poverty, other elements such as health and personal attributes are also very strongly articulated. Reports show that the overall living conditions within plantation camps have deteriorated over the last 15 years, particularly in the tea sector (CEPA, 2005). Such situations of poverty and underdevelopment are evident in the CDC. The CDC is an agro-industrial enterprise incorporated in 1947 with the mission to acquire, develop and operate extensive plantations of tropical crops. The CDC owes its origin to former German Plantations in Cameroon. A close study into the manifestation of development by the corporation gives us some startling revelation. If development implies making sure that all basic necessities for human survival is available to everyone, then it is clear that the CDC is yet to fully achieve its development objectives.

Development is contextualized in line with the ideas of Rodney (1973), Fossung (2001) and Porter et al. (2004). Rodney (1973) observed development as a multi-dimensional or multifaceted concept which does not limit itself to economic growth but it also involves structural, institutional, cultural, political and social transformation. It is seen as all the processes that translate into the reduction in abject or absolute poverty, a reduction in the level of unemployment, a reduction in the level of personal and regional income inequality, an increase in the real output of goods and services, improvements in the techniques of production, improvement in literacy, health services, housing conditions and government services, improvement in the levels of social and political consciousness of the people and greater ability of the people or the general population to draw from the local resources (human and material) through hard work to meet both the local and external needs. Going by the ideas of Fossung (2001), the CDC is a major development agent in the region and Cameroon as a whole. Development is also viewed in terms of economic growth and enhanced freedoms as observed by Porter et al. (2004). Development is seen not only as economic growth and increasing incomes; it is also viewed in the light of increasing material goods, providing basic needs, enhancing freedoms, redistribution of resources, expanding choices, empowerment, increased participation, enhancing human rights among others. All these attributes according to Porter et al. (2004) are the basis for which we could measure development.

We equally maintain that the CDC as a corporation, and other stakeholders, have the potential to adopt a policy of equitable redistribution of services and income so that the majority of poor could be liberated from the social, economic and psychological poverty which is very much reminiscent of the CDC as empirical evidence reveals.