Exploring cultural and socioeconomic influences on learning in Cameroon

This article investigates the interplay between cultural norms, linguistic diversity, and socioeconomic factors in shaping learning outcomes in Cameroon. As a multilingual and multi-ethnic nation, Cameroon presents a unique educational landscape where over 250 ethnic groups and two official languages, French and English, coexist with numerous indigenous languages. Drawing from a mixed-methods study involving surveys, interviews, and empirical data collected from rural and marginalized communities, the research explores how these factors interact to influence educational access, retention, and achievement. The study highlights several critical barriers to learning. Gender disparities, rooted in traditional cultural norms, disproportionately limit girls’ educational opportunities, particularly in rural areas where early marriage and domestic responsibilities are prevalent. Linguistic diversity poses additional challenges, as many students must transition from indigenous languages spoken at home to French or English, often resulting in lower academic performance and increased dropout rates. Socioeconomic inequities further exacerbate these issues, with rural schools facing significant shortages of qualified teachers, infrastructure, and learning materials compared to their urban counterparts.
The findings emphasize the urgent need for culturally responsive educational policies that integrate indigenous knowledge and practices, alongside targeted interventions to address economic disparities. The study advocates for inclusive teaching approaches, multilingual education programs, and greater investment in rural school infrastructure. By addressing these systemic barriers, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges within Cameroon’s educational system and offers actionable recommendations for fostering educational equity and improving learning outcomes for all students.

Keyword: cultural influences, socioeconomic status, gender disparity, linguistic diversity, educational equity, Cameroon, rural education, bilingual education.