Project Management Approaches for Sustainable Rural Development in Cameroon

Development focus has increasingly shifted toward rural areas due to the recognition that rural and urban areas are critically interdependent and that rural areas can no longer be neglected. In response, many development agencies have relied on projects as a primary mechanism for achieving sustainable rural development; however, many such projects fail to achieve their intended objectives. This article is based on an empirical study that explored the challenges of managing rural development projects through four case studies conducted in the Centre Region of Cameroon. A qualitative approach was adopted, using secondary data collected from purposively selected journal articles and research reports, with document review as the main data collection method and content analysis for data interpretation. The study finds that conventional stakeholder-participation models, failure to apply project management principles, and lack of project management skills significantly hinder the success of rural development projects. It also identifies alternative stakeholder-participation models and strategies that can enhance effective project management. The article recommends that development projects be managed by professional project managers to ensure value for investment, while non-professional project managers should receive training in essential project management skills, tools, and techniques.