CHAPTER ONE

1.1. Background of the Study

Water is one of the most abundant and renewable natural resources on Earth, covering about 70% of the planet through oceans, rivers, and lakes. It plays a vital role in supporting life and is essential for a wide range of domestic, agricultural, industrial, and ecological functions. In regions such as Bamenda II, water is particularly critical for daily household activities, farming, sanitation, and health.

As the global population continues to rise-now surpassing 6 billion people-the demand for freshwater resources is growing significantly. This has led to mounting pressure on available water sources. According to UNESCO-WWAP (2003), large portions of the world are already experiencing water scarcity due to an imbalance between water usage and naturally available supplies. The World Water Council (2010) further highlights that this imbalance is particularly acute in developing regions. In Bamenda II, these challenges are worsened by rapid urbanization, poor infrastructure,and changing weather patterns. The groups most affected by limited water access are often those living in poverty, who depend on unreliable and sometimes unsafe sources of water.

Over time, communities in Bamenda II have developed practical knowledge about water quality,collection methods, and storage techniques that suit local conditions. Individuals of all ages and genders play important roles in accessing, managing, and conserving water resources for both household and agricultural use. Effective water management at the local level is essential not only for ensuring daily water needs are met but also for contributing to broader goals of health, economic development, and environmental sustainability.

Participation of community members in water governance is therefore crucial. Traditionally, households rely on shared responsibilities to ensure that water is safe for drinking, cooking, washing, and sanitation. According to Namita (2023), engaging community members in water-related planning and decision-making offers valuable opportunities for improved health outcomes and local employment, particularly for youth. However, poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation continue to fuel the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid in many neighborhoods.

Despite their involvement in daily water-related tasks, many individuals-especially in underserved communities-remain unaware of their potential contributions to formal water management processes. In Bamenda II, participation in water user associations or local management bodies is often limited due to lack of awareness, education, or access to capacity-building programs. This limits the effectiveness of water governance structures and weakens collective efforts to improve water access and quality.

Nevertheless, people in the community continue to play a central role in maintaining water security through activities such as fetching water, cleaning storage containers, and using water responsibly. At the household level, they are already making key decisions related to water use. Expanding their involvement in policy-making and local management systems is essential for achieving sustainable water resource management. International initiatives, like those promoted by the World Bank in Central Asia, support community participation as a foundation for more inclusive and effective water governance. In many rural parts of Sub-Saharan Africa today, up to 90% of households still lack access to piped water. As a result, community members-particularly in remote areas-often walk long distances, sometimes up to two and a half hours, to fetch water for their daily needs. This task consumes significant time and energy, reducing the availability of individuals for other essential activities such as farming, education, or small-scale trade. For instance, in Senegal, household members typically bear the responsibility of fetching water, cooking, and maintaining hygiene due to traditional family roles (Caroline Mwonfer, August 8).

This issue is further compounded by the fact that over 70% of Africa’s rural population contributes to agriculture, which itself consumes a large portion of the continent’s limited freshwater supply. Climate change has introduced new threats to water availability, with unpredictable weather patterns disrupting both water supply and agricultural productivity. According to climate projections, a two-degree rise in global temperatures could reduce access to water resources by up to 40%.Additionally, rising sea levels and prolonged dry seasons are forcing many families to travel longer distances in search of fresh water

In places like Bamenda II, these trends are especially worrying. As in many other parts of Africa, climate change and poor infrastructure are aggravating water insecurity. Limited access to clean water not only affects household well-being but also disrupts agricultural output and food security. The recurring water shortages at the beginning of the dry season often force families to prioritize water collection over education or income-generating activities. According to the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED, 1992), the pressure on water resources in African countries is growing, and managing this stress requires the involvement of all community members-men, women, and youth alike. Broadening public participation in water-related decisions can improve household health, reduce poverty, and strengthen resilience to climate change (Water and Resource Management, April 2020).

Cameroon, though endowed with significant water resources, faces mounting challenges linked to rapid population growth, poor urban planning, unregulated development, and inadequate infrastructure. These factors have contributed to inefficient and unsustainable management of the country’s water resources. As reported by the Cameroon Project for Studies and Preparation of Rural Water Supply and Sanitation (Ako Ako, 2010), these shortcomings have hindered the delivery of safe and clean drinking water, especially in rural communities.

One promising strategy is Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which promotes the coordinated use and conservation of water for multiple needs. This approach emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, recognizing that water should not be managed for a single purpose, but rather through inclusive planning for agricultural, domestic, industrial, and environmental uses. In Bamenda II, applying IWRM principles could enhance sustainable access to water and ensure that local resources are managed in a way that supports long-term community well-being. Ultimately, sustainable water resource management involves a comprehensive process that aligns the development of water, land, and related resources with social equity and environmental protection.

1.3.1. Physical Background

Climate

Bamenda II has a tropical highland climate with two main seasons: a rainy season (April to October) and a dry season (November to March). The rainy season brings most of the annual rainfall, averaging 2,500–2,800 mm, while the dry season is influenced by the Harmattan winds, leading to low humidity and cooler nights (Cameroon Meteorological Department, 2023). Temperatures are moderate year-round, ranging from 14°C to 28°C depending on the season (Ngum et al., 2022)

 Relief and Drainage

Bamenda II lies in a hilly terrain, with elevations between 1,200 and 1,400 meters. The area includes escarpments, ridges, and valleys. Drainage is controlled by small rivers and seasonal streams that feed into the Mezam River, following a dendritic pattern. These rivers swell during the rainy season and often cause erosion and flooding in lowland areas (Achidi et al., 2021).

Geology and Soils

The area is part of the Cameroon Volcanic Line and is underlain by granite and volcanic rocks such as basalt and trachyte (Fongang et al., 2022). Soils vary: ferrallitic soils dominate uplands, while alluvial and gleysols are found in lowlands. These soils are generally fertile but vulnerable to erosion, especially on steep slopes (Tambe et al., 2023).

Vegetation

The natural vegetation of Bamenda II falls within the Guinea savanna zone, mixed with patches of montane forest on higher elevations. However, much of the original vegetation has been cleared for farming, housing, and fuelwood collection. What remains includes grasslands, eucalyptus stands, raffia palms in swampy areas, and planted trees in urban parts of the municipality. Seasonal bushfires and human activity continue to degrade natural cover (Ndenecho, 2021).

1.3.2. Socio-Economic Background of Bamenda II

Population

Bamenda II Subdivision is part of the Bamenda metropolis and is one of the most densely populated urban units in the North West Region. According to the 2022 population estimates by the Bamenda City Council, the subdivision has a population of approximately 140,000 inhabitants, with an annual growth rate of around 2.9% (BCC, 2022). This rapid urban growth is largely driven by rural-urban migration, especially from surrounding villages and conflict-affected areas in the region.The population is youthful, with over 60% below the age of 35, which has major implications for employment, education, and housing demands. Settlement patterns are semi-planned, with high concentrations in neighborhoods such as Old Town, Ntamulung, and Ndamukong.

Economic Activities

Economic life in Bamenda II is diverse and largely informal. Petty trading, transportation (commercial bikes and taxis), and agriculture on the urban fringe remain major income sources. The central business areas such as Commercial Avenue, City Chemist, and Food Market are economic hubs for retail trade, financial services, and small enterprises.Urban agriculture, especially the cultivation of vegetables like huckleberry and cabbage, continues to be practiced in peri-urban and low-lying areas like Mile 2 and Mulang (Nchinda & Fokou, 2021).

Additionally, civil service jobs, private teaching, and tailoring also provide livelihoods for a considerable number of residents. Unemployment and underemployment, however, remain high among youths due to limited formal job opportunities and ongoing insecurity in the region.

Cultural Background

Bamenda II hosts a culturally diverse population, with the Ngemba people being the indigenous group. However, due to its urban character, the subdivision also accommodates people from various ethnic groups across Cameroon, including the Banso, Meta, Bayangi, and Hausa communities. Traditional values remain important. Cultural festivals like “Ngonso” and “Ngemba Annual Dance” still hold social relevance, although they are now celebrated more symbolically in urban settings. The presence of various churches, mosques, and shrines illustrates the religious and cultural plurality of the area (Mbuh, 2022).Despite modern influences, chieftaincy institutions and traditional councils still play advisory and dispute-resolution roles in community life, especially at the quarter level.

1.4. Statement of the geographical problem

Ensuring steady access to clean and safe water in Bamenda II Subdivision remains a serious challenge for both residents and stakeholders. Although the area is served by CAMWATER and a few other sources, most people still rely on springs, wells, boreholes, and a limited number of public taps. These sources are becoming less dependable, especially during the dry season when water levels drop earlier than usual.

The rapid growth in population and urban expansion is placing a lot of pressure on existing water sources. Unfortunately, there is limited coordination between the different actors involved in water management. This often results in duplication of efforts, inefficient planning, and poor maintenance of water supply systems. The local council, which should play a central role, is not always fully involved in the upkeep and development of water infrastructure.

Another concern is the lack of funding. Many water projects depend heavily on outside support, while local investment remains minimal. Because of this, some households turn to personal boreholes or informal water sources, which can be costly and sometimes unsafe.

In addition, climate change is beginning to affect water availability in Bamenda II. Increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns and floods not only damage infrastructure but also contaminate water sources, making clean water less accessible.

Although government policies aim to improve water access, more work is needed at the local level. There is a clear need to strengthen stakeholder collaboration, improve funding strategies, involve the council more actively, and raise awareness about responsible water use. If these issues are not addressed, the water crisis in Bamenda II could worsen, especially as demand continues to grow.

1.5. Research Questions

• How is water managed in Bamenda II?
• What are the main sources of water in Bamenda II?
• What efforts have been made to improve water access?
• How can we assess the state of water management in the area?

1.6. Research Objectives

• To examine water resource management in Bamenda II
• To investigate the sources of water in Bamenda II.
• To assess the measures used to manage water.

To analyze how water management is monitored and evaluated