Explain the factors that hinder occupational mobility of labour and reasons for the existence of many small firms in Cameroon.

b) Factors that hinder occupational mobility of labour:

• Lack of skills and education: Workers may not possess the specific skills, qualifications, or training required for a different occupation, making it difficult to switch jobs.
• Cost of retraining: Acquiring new skills often involves significant financial costs for training courses, certifications, or further education, which many workers cannot afford.
• Age and experience: Older workers may face discrimination or find it harder to adapt to new technologies and work environments, limiting their opportunities in different occupations.

c) Reasons for the existence of many small firms in Cameroon despite the advantages of large-scale production:

• Small market size: For many goods and services, the local market in Cameroon may be too small to support large-scale production, making small firms more viable.
• Lack of capital: Many entrepreneurs lack access to the substantial capital required to establish and operate large-scale businesses, leading to the prevalence of smaller, less capital-intensive ventures.
• Personalized services and niche markets: Small firms can cater to specific niche markets or offer highly personalized services that large firms find difficult to provide efficiently, such as local crafts, tailoring, or specialized repairs.