Alou is a town and
commune in the
South-West region of
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon, is a country in Central Africa. It shares boundaries with Nigeria to the west and north, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the R ...
. The Alou sub-division constitute one of the three sub-divisions (Alou,
Wabane and
Fontem
Fontem is a sub division in the Lebialem division of Cameroon. Consisting of three Fondoms, Lebang, the biggest, Essoh Etah and Fotabong III. Its headquarters are at Menji, they are located in the South West Region, and are west of Dschang and ...
) in the Lebialen division. This town/viallage got its name from the foggy nature of the climate, especially during the raining season. Alou in the
''Ngwe'' language means “''Fog''”.
Divisions
Besides Alou itself, the urban area of Alou is divided into several districts such as Emollah, Kongho, Nwametaw, Njenafey, Njenallah and Ndungated etc. Far from the urban area, the rural area of the municipality of Alou contains seven villages:
* Attraction
* Fonjometaw
* Lewoh
* M’mouck
* M’mouckbie
* Ndungated
* Nwangong
Economic activities
The council area experiences limited economic diversity, primarily relying on agriculture as its main source of income. The majority of its residents are engaged in farming, earning an average monthly income of 30,000 FCFA (SDDARD Alou). The M’muock zone stands out as a hub for intense farming activities, where heavy trucks are a common sight, transporting various vegetable crops like Irish potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and leeks to neighboring cities such as Dschang, Douala, and
Kumba
Kumba is a city in the Southwest Region of Cameroon and the administrative capital of Meme Division. It is one of the largest and most economically significant cities in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. Known for its vibrant commercial ac ...
.
Aside from agriculture, the inhabitants are also involved in off-licence sales, running restaurants, and engaging in small-scale trade, particularly in provision stores. These provision stores are typically situated around the permanent markets, with many of the store owners residing in other villages and operating their businesses primarily on market days.
Furthermore, economic groups like builders (including carpenters and bricklayers), auto mechanics, and tailors play an active role in the villages, contributing to the local economy with an average monthly income of about 10,000 FCFA.
See also
*
Communes of Cameroon
The Divisions of Cameroon are the third-level units of administration in Cameroon. They are organised by divisions and sub divisions of each province (now Regions).
As of 2005 (and since 1996) there are 2 urban communities (Douala and Ya ...
References
Site de la primature - Élections municipales 2002
Contrôle de gestion et performance des services publics communaux des villes camerounaises Thèse de Donation Avele, Université Montesquieu Bordeaux IV
* Charles Nanga,
La réforme de l’administration territoriale au Cameroun à la lumière de la loi constitutionnelle n° 96/06 du 18 janvier 1996', Mémoire ENA.
* The World Countries
Alou - A town and commune in Cameroon* PNDP
COMMUNUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR ALOU COUNCIL
Communes of Southwest Region (Cameroon)
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