AN ASSESSMENT ON THE INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT ON CAMEROON’S NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background of the Study Over the past three decades, Cameroon has faced a series of economic challenges that have significantly impacted its development trajectory. The economic decline began in the late 1980s, leading to drastic measures such as a 15% salary reduction for government employees in January 1993, followed by a further 32% cut in November of the same year. These hardships were exacerbated by the 50% devaluation of the CFA Franc on January 12, 1994, occurring merely two months after the pay cuts. This economic crisis, which started around 1985/86, reversed the positive growth trends previously experienced. From 1980 to 1986, Cameroon’s economy had enjoyed a robust annual growth rate of approximately 8%, primarily due to developments in the oil sector. This growth was supported by strong annual increases in investment (7%), exports (16%), and consumption (3.3%). These gains had given the country a reputation for economic stability and creditworthiness among international stakeholders. However, beginning in 1987, the economy began to falter. Gross National Product (GNP) dropped to 2.8% in 1987 and further plummeted to 8.6% in 1988, curtailing initiatives aimed at improving the population’s welfare and addressing their basic needs. This economic downturn was largely triggered by a steep decline in the international market value of oil and agricultural exports, along with a nearly 40% depreciation of the CFA Franc relative to the French Franc, to which it is pegged. Public administration in Cameroon has also been plagued by inefficiencies, bureaucratic bottlenecks, widespread corruption, and weak governance systems. These issues frequently obstruct the efficient delivery of public services and undermine the successful implementation of developmental policies (Transparency International, 2021). Further complicating these economic and administrative challenges is the lack of adequate financial and institutional resources, which hampers the government's ability to tackle critical socio-economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructural deficits. The role of human capital—defined as the collective knowledge, skills, and abilities of a population—cannot be overstated in advancing economic and social development. Yet, Cameroon struggles with major human capital challenges, including poor educational and healthcare infrastructure, high youth unemployment, and brain drain caused by emigration (World Bank, 2019). These challenges not only stifle the country’s productivity and global competitiveness but also perpetuate social and economic inequality, thereby slowing inclusive development. Despite these barriers, there is a growing awareness of the importance of strengthening public administration and human resource management in achieving national development goals (UNDP, 2019). The African Development Bank (2020) emphasizes the need for improved governance, greater transparency and accountability, and substantial investment in education and skills development as key drivers of Cameroon’s development potential and long-term economic growth. Against this backdrop, this study seeks to explore how public administration and human capital management influence national development in Cameroon. It aims to assess the current conditions of these two critical areas, identify existing challenges and opportunities, and explore the relationship between them. Ultimately, the study seeks to generate evidence-based insights that can inform effective policy-making and institutional reforms geared toward sustainable and inclusive development in the country. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Although it is widely accepted that efficient public administration and effective human capital management are essential for national development, many developing countries—including Cameroon—continue to face substantial obstacles in this area. Cameroon, like several other nations, is grappling with persistent inefficiencies in governance and workforce management that pose significant threats to its sustainable development aspirations (World Bank, 2020). Furthermore, the interrelationship between public administration and human capital management and their combined impact on development outcomes remain underexplored within the Cameroonian context. There is a noticeable lack of empirical studies that delve into the specific mechanisms through which these factors influence national development in the country. While theoretical models do exist, the absence of comprehensive empirical evidence limits the formulation of practical and effective policies that can resolve systemic weaknesses and enhance development outcomes (UNDP, 2019). Without a deep understanding of the dynamics and challenges in these areas, Cameroon risks continuing a cycle of inefficiency, inequality, and developmental underperformance. 1.3 Objectives of the Study The overarching goal of this study is to examine how public administration and human capital management impact national development in Cameroon. The specific objectives include: i. To assess the key factors influencing public administration systems in Cameroon. ii. To investigate the contributions of human capital management practices to Cameroon’s socio-economic development. iii. To identify the challenges within public administration and human capital management that hinder the implementation of national development initiatives in Cameroon. 1.4 Research Questions The study will be guided by the following research questions: i. What are the key factors that influence public administration systems in Cameroon? ii. How do human capital management practices affect the socio-economic development of Cameroon? iii. What challenges in public administration and human capital management obstruct national development initiatives in Cameroon? 1.5 Significance of the Study The results of this research will be valuable to several stakeholders: Policymakers: By gaining insights into how public administration and human capital management affect national development, policymakers in Cameroon can craft more effective governance strategies. These insights can help improve administrative structures, enhance public service delivery, and foster better human resource practices, ultimately contributing to long-term sustainable development. Academic Contribution: From an academic standpoint, this study will enrich the existing literature in the fields of public administration, human capital management, and development studies. It offers scholars and researchers a foundation to build on theoretical frameworks, refine methodological approaches, and generate empirical data that could influence both scholarly inquiry and policy design in similar contexts. 1.6 Scope of the Study This research focuses on evaluating the influence of public administration and human capital management on national development in Cameroon. Specifically, it will examine the factors that shape public administration systems, assess the role of human capital practices in socio-economic development, and identify the challenges within both domains that hinder national development efforts in the country. 1.7 Limitations of the Study As with most academic endeavors, this study faced certain limitations. One major constraint was limited funding, which affected the researcher’s ability to access extensive literature and data collection tools, such as internet resources, questionnaires, and interviews. Consequently, a moderate sample size was adopted. Additionally, the researcher had to balance the demands of this study with other academic obligations, which affected the amount of time that could be dedicated solely to research activities. 1.8 Definition of Terms Public Administration: This refers to the processes involved in implementing, managing, and coordinating government policies, programs, and public services. Human Capital Management: Human capital management (HCM) entails the strategic oversight of an organization’s workforce to maximize employee performance, engagement, and productivity. National Development: National development is the ongoing process of improving the economic, social, and political well-being of a country and its citizens in a sustainable manner. REFERENCES UNDP. (2019). Human Development Report 2019. United Nations Development Programme. World Bank. (2020). World Development Report 2020: Trading for Development in the Age of Global Value Chains. World Bank. African Development Bank. (2020). African Economic Outlook 2020. African Development Bank Group. IMF. (2019). Cameroon: 2019 Article IV Consultation-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Cameroon. International Monetary Fund. Transparency International. (2021). Corruption Perceptions Index 2020. Transparency International. World Bank. (2019). Cameroon Economic Update: Investing More in People to Sustain Economic Growth. World Bank.