The character and value of vernacular security: the case of South West Cameroon

This article reports the findings of field research into the vernacular
understanding of security in South West Cameroon. It was found
that security significantly contested; it is both objective and
subjective; it is communal, whilst at the same time requiring
individual l responsibility of personal security; it favours certainty
and stability; it draws on a multiplicity of providers, and it goes
beyond traditional conceptualisations. The findings make it clear
that there are wide divergences between the typical state and
donor driven security reform programmes, and people’s perceived
security needs. The definition of security is challenged by popular
understandings. In addition, though not rejecting the need for
state security, it is evident that many more actors are engaged in
security provision and personal safety than state actors, and that
these actors need to be accounted for in reform programmes.
Conclusion draw out advantages of the vernacular approach in
security reform programmes.