Outstanding Scientist Award
William Shu Neba — University of Fort Hare, South Africa
William Shu Neba is a sociologist and social development researcher whose academic work addresses land tenure, agricultural practices, rural livelihoods, community development, natural resource management and sustainable development. His research draws on field-based studies in Cameroon and examines the social and economic dimensions of development, with further academic engagement in social work at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa. His scholarly profile includes journal publications, postgraduate research supervision, university teaching and project-related research activities. [1]
Abstract
William Shu Neba’s research examines social structures, agricultural production, community institutions and sustainable development. His scholarly work explores land tenure systems, community associations, rural livelihoods, environmental resource management and development policy, particularly in Cameroon. His academic interests also encompass social welfare, community resilience, gender, development studies, postgraduate supervision and postdoctoral research in social work. [1]
Keywords
William Shu Neba; sociology; social development; rural sociology; land tenure; agricultural practices; community development; sustainable livelihoods; natural resource management; development studies; social work; Cameroon; socioeconomic development.
Introduction
William Shu Neba is a sociologist and social development researcher whose work examines land ownership, community participation, agricultural livelihoods and environmental conditions, particularly in Cameroon. Trained in sociology, anthropology and international relations, he earned a doctorate from the University of Buea and pursues postdoctoral research at the University of Fort Hare, South Africa.
Research Profile
William Shu Neba’s interdisciplinary research integrates sociology, development studies, agriculture and social work, focusing on land tenure, community development, sustainable livelihoods and environmental governance. His academic experience spans four institutions, encompassing teaching and research. Holding a PhD, MSc and BSc, alongside international relations training, he investigates socioeconomic development and community resilience.
Research Contributions
William Shu Neba’s research examines land tenure, agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods in Cameroon. His publications explore community associations, urban housing, apiculture, environmental management and socioeconomic development. His work also addresses remittances, resource governance and agricultural conflicts. Through postgraduate supervision and social work research, he contributes to development-focused academic inquiry. [1][2][3]
Publications
William Shu Neba’s publications examine land tenure, agricultural practices, housing, farmer-grazier conflicts, remittances, apiculture and community associations in Cameroon. His research highlights sustainable livelihoods, socioeconomic development and resource governance. His doctoral thesis investigated changing land tenure systems and agriculture in Mezam and Menchum, building on earlier master’s research into community associations and development.[2][3][4]
Research Impact
William Shu Neba’s research informs scholarly discussions of rural development, land governance, agricultural livelihoods and community-based development in Cameroon. His work offers empirical perspectives on land ownership, community associations and local socioeconomic conditions. Research on resource management and tenure supports further policy-oriented inquiry. His Google Scholar profile lists 33 documents, 18 citations and h-index 2. [1]
Award Suitability
William Shu Neba’s profile highlights sustained social science research in sociology, land tenure, agricultural livelihoods and community development. His publications, postgraduate supervision, teaching and postdoctoral work demonstrate academic engagement. Research on Cameroon’s land tenure and agricultural practices, alongside documented conference recognition, provides relevant context for assessing his scholarly contributions to development-oriented research and social science. [4]
Conclusion
William Shu Neba is a social science researcher examining land tenure, agricultural practices, community development and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in Cameroon. His sociological research addresses applied development challenges. Through publications, teaching, postgraduate supervision and postdoctoral work at the University of Fort Hare, he demonstrates sustained engagement in scholarship and social development research.
External Links
References
- Google Scholar. (n.d.). William Shu Neba: Google Scholar profile. Google Scholar. https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=7u4-fjgAAAAJ
- Akenji, M. J., & Neba, W. S. (2025). Land tenure practices and substandard housing in Bamenda urban, Northwest Cameroon. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v12i01.02
- Tanwie, V. N., Neba, W. S., Ambendah, L. A., & Yayih, T. G. (2025). Socio-economic development and remittances in Cameroon’s Bamenda III Subdivision: Implications for sustainable development. International Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Invention, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.18535/ijsshi/v12i01.04
- Neba, W. S., & Balgah, R. A. (2026). Effects of land tenure system changes on agricultural practices in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Book of Abstracts, 7th International Conference on Multidisciplinary Industry and Academic Research. https://doi.org/10.53378/iarr.232