Scholarly and policy interest on endogenous cultural institutions (ECIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is gaining traction, albeit with a lack of robust empirical evidence on compliance determinants. This article contributes in this regard, by drawing from a sample of 200 forest-dependent households in the Santchou Landscape of Cameroon, complemented by key informant interviews (N = 17) and focus group discussions (N = 11). Using the ordinary least square and the logit model, we (i) analyze forest use practices shaped by ECIs, (ii) assess forest-based ECIs compliance determinants, and (iii) estimate the effect of compliance determinants on forest-based ECIs. We find that while norms and customs shape the harvesting of wood-based and vegetal based NTFPs, they are less likely to shape the exploitation of seed based NTFPs. Second, demographic and economic factors override socio-political determinants of ECIs. Third, elites are less likely to affect forest-based ECI compliance. Policy should leverage culturally sensitive ECIs in regulating forest resource use.