The leopard is the most important animal to the people of the Tali region. It is revered for its strength.

Comprehensive Community Study Process

Scientific methods were used in the comprehensive community study to collect the community health and development data. The study design composed of a cross section of the population of TACO. Two questionnaire instruments were used to collect data from the population. First, a structured survey questionnaire design was administered in personal household interviews. The structured survey questionnaire design required that villagers respond to specific questions in the questionnaire that will be posed by field workers. A random sample of households was collected from each of the 59 villages. Current and reliable registry or census on the number of households and the composition of each household in TACO is lacking. A widely circulated document whose veracity cannot be verified indicated that the 1987 population in TACO is about 50,000 people. We used this preliminary information as the working definition of the population of the area. Using this information, it was assumed that the average population of the 59 villages is about 848 people. The average population is rounded was rounded up to 1000 people per village to account for population growth over the past 20 years. The second questionnaire is unstructured. It allowed respondents to provide explanations to questions.
Field workers in TACO conducted the household surveys. Field worker within the community not only reduced the cost, but also brought their knowledge of the local beliefs and practices. This enhanced the level of trust and confidence from the villages and thus improved the level of responsiveness and ultimately the collected data quality. Forty-one field workers (mostly primary school teachers) collected the study data. They received a one-day training on how to conduct the household surveys. Dr. Enoh Tanjong (a communication expert at the University of Buea, Cameroon) and Dr. Fritz Tambe (a physician at the Eye Care Foundation, Douala, Cameroon) not only conducted the training, but served as consultants for the study. Another workshop faciliator was Mr. Martin Ojong (Inspector of Primary Education in Tinto, Cameroon).

Workshop

The workshop began at 8.45a.m with the registration of participants. The Authorities and Elite of Tali and its environs showed very keen interest in this workshop. That explains why we had in attendance; The Chairperson of the Board of Governors of African University Tali Cameroon {AUTC}, His Excellency Governor Enow Tanjong, The Vice Chairperson of AUTC), Right Apostle Reverend Betang, the Sub Inspector of Basic Education, Mr. David Ojong, the Sub Delegate of Agriculture Mr. John Mesumbe, Chiefs, Principals, Head teachers and class room teachers of schools and colleges.

Speaking at the start of this workshop, the Board Chairperson of African University, Tali Cameroon, His Excellency Governor Enow Tanjong welcomed participants and thanked them for honoring the invitation of African University Foundation despite it short notice. He further explained the objective of this workshop, defining also the major roles to be played by each of the participant as stakeholder or partner. These roles are of course part of their own contribution towards the realization of this great project. It is appropriate that we should here express our deep appreciation to African University Foundation for financing this survey project which kicks off today.

The two very qualified and experienced facilitators; Dr. Fritz Tambi and Mr. David Ojong took over soon after the Chairman's address.

All the modules as shown on the workshop time-table were treated using the participatory approach. Some highlights of the workshop were; plenary and group discussions, presentation of group's reports and animation.

Module I: Opening/Introduction

Participants get to know each other
Participants are introduced to workshop objective and programs to be used
Participants "Break the ice" and set the ground for informal and interactive work

Module II: Definition/Clarification of Terms and Concepts

"Technical words" are defined in the simplest terms possible for easy understanding.

Survey; A careful examination to appraise value.
Community; The people living in a defined place, district or country considered as a whole.
Health; The state of being well and free from illness in body or mind.
Development; The act or process of growing or developing.
Feasible; that can be done, possible.
HHH+; House Hold Head, person commanding a family.
HHM; House Hold Member, person belonging to the family.
House Hold Expenditure; amount of money spent by the family.

Module III: Survey and Tools

A visualized presentation of a survey Guide and tools was presented by the facilitator, after which participants were expected to come up with sample formats in their various groups.

The facilitator stressed on the fact that a field worker must have first hand information on the area to be surveyed as shown on a map.

Key Guide for a Field Worker

Produce a sketch map of the area to be surveyed.
Map-out the particular spots or places to be surveyed.
Carry on him or her an identifying badge.
Present himself or herself to the top Administrative or Local Authority Office to make known his or her objective.
Communicate in the simplest language understood by the interviewee.
Make sure that he or she documents all necessary information obtained.
The interviewer should not express any emotions, sympathy, surprise or sentiments at responses given by the interviewee.
The interviewer must always ensure the interviewee of the confidentiality of all data collected and he or she must keep to that.
The interviewer must analyze all data collected at the end of the survey and a report written.

Module IV: Administering a Questionnaire

Participants are schooled on how to properly administer the questionnaire, following the above guide.

Module V: Group Work

Participants were grouped in ten groups of ten members per group. Each group was expected to administer the questionnaire with the following terms of reference:

Each group was to represent a family in a village set-up.
Group members to represent House Hold.
To identify a House Hold Head amongst the group members.
To identify an interviewer amongst group members.
To make group presentation in plenary.