Training as an innovative strategy in fostering growth & sustainability in Cameroon

Abstract: The emergence of informal microfinance clubs, the mainstay of the grassroots economy, from sociocultural security structures has been fraught with management problems, due to the high preference for experiential learning and peripheral consideration for a training culture. Although day-to-day work experience is instrumental in developing expertise in indigenous institutions, training has an equally competitive edge. This study was designed to examine perceptions of training as an innovative strategy in fostering the growth and sustainability of informal institutions. Thirty institutions were selected from the West Province of Cameroon and 138 officials were enrolled in the study and surveyed. More than three-quarters of the officials (91.30%) reported a favourable perception of training as a mechanism for human development and effective governance. Only 16% had received some training and skill deficits had recurrent management difficulties as indicators. The work evoked a need for the institutionalisation of a training culture in traditional institutions, as a strategy for competence building, institutional development and sustainability.