CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

This chapter dwells on the background of the study, problem statement, research questions, objectives, hypothesis, scope/delimitation of the study, significance/justification of the study, definition of terms, literature review, methods and  organization / structure of dissertation.

1.1. Background of Study

Urbanized areas represent a new and fundamental step in humanity’s social evolution, hence the 21st century has been termed the “Urban Century as 55% of the world population now resides in the urban areas (United Nations  Habitat., 2018). Many scholarly works have accounted the Urbanization process to increasing population as 68% of the population is projected to be urban by 2050. Economic development within cities have attracted more and more exodus especially from the countryside to the urban spheres thus, contributing to the overall landuse expansion (Fombe & Balgah., 2012). There is significant variation in the urban expansion levels by different geographical regions. Over the past few decades, Beijing (Northeastern China) has experienced significant urban expansion, with its population growing from 3.5 million in 1970 to over 21 million in 2020 (Nkwatoh, Smith & Doe, R., 2016). São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the Southern Hemisphere and has seen rapid urban growth since the mid-20th Century ( World Population Review., 2021).

Urbanization in Africa is a significant and rapidly evolving phenomenon, characterized by a growing trend of migration from rural to urban areas  (United Nations., 2018).  This transition is driven by various factors, including economic opportunities, improved living standards, and the search for better services and amenities. As of 2020, approximately 43% of Africa’s population lived in urban areas, and this figure is projected to rise to about 60% by 2050 (World Bank., 2021). Major cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg are expanding rapidly, driven by rural-to-urban migration, economic opportunities, and population growth. Lagos is one of the fastest growing cities globally, with a population projected to exceed 24 million by 2025 (World Population Review.,  2021).

Urbanization in Cameroon has been marked by significant growth and transformation over the past few decades. As of 2018,  approximately 57% of Cameroon’s population lived in urban areas, with projections indicating that this figure could rise to around 70% by 2050 (United Nations., 2020). The capital city, Yaoundé, and the economic hub, Douala, are at the forefront of this urbanization process. Douala, in particular, is the largest city and the main commercial center, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Urban areas are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation, energy consumption, and industrial activities. For instance, cities account for approximately 70% of global CO₂ emissions Inter-governmental Panel for Climate Change., (2014).

In addition to higher temperatures, urban expansion in Cameroon can also impact precipitation patterns and water resources. Studies by (Ngouanet, Tsoata, Yemmafouo & Tchekote.,  2020) in Douala, Cameroon, demonstrated changes in rainfall intensity and frequency in urban areas compared to rural regions. Urban expansion can alter natural drainage systems, increase surface runoff, and reduce groundwater recharge, leading to challenges such as urban flooding and water scarcity. Understanding these changes in precipitation patterns is crucial for effective water management and urban planning in rapidly urbanizing areas of Cameroon.

Buea, the capital of the Southwest Region of Cameroon, has experienced significant urbanization over the past few decades with 90083 people living in Buea in 1990 with 110000 people, in 1995 with 150000 people, in 2000 with 200000 people,  in 2005 with 25000 people, in 2010 with 300000 people, in 2015 with 600000 people in 2020 with 750000 people in 2022 with 810000 people  inhabiting Buea in 2023 (Institute of Statistics, Buea Sub-Division., 2024).This urban growth is primarily driven by factors such as rural-urban migration, economic opportunities, and the presence of educational institutions. As a result, Buea has seen a dramatic increase in its population with 810000 people living in Buea in 2023

1.2. Statement of the Problem

Urban Expansion is a very great climate modifier particularly in areas where numerous microclimates exist. This  expansion of Buea shows a dimension that Buea is changing and indicates that there is a likelihood that this has impacted the climate of Buea. Some areas in Buea are along the slope and exposed to direct wind from the Atlantic ocean Nkemasong., (2014). Recent times especially from 1993, many have said that there has been rapid growth of Buea in 1990 with 110000 people and in 1995 with 150000 people but in an ununiform pattern and that Buea is no longer what it used to be. Thus, this gives a research interest as to the manner the nature of this changing climate is connected to the expanding urban landscape of Buea.

1.3. Research Questions

In order to address the stated problems, the following research questions were raised.

1.3.1. Main Question

The main research question of this study is;

• How has urban expansion impacted the climate of Buea Metropolitan Area

1.3.2. Specific Questions

The research is guided by the following specific research question

1. What is the characteristics of the rapid urbanizing Buea Metropolitan Area?
2. Why has the characteristics of the climate of Buea Metropolitan Area varied?
3. How has urban expansion impacted the climatic patterns of Buea Metropolitan Area?

1.4. Research Objectives

1.4.1. Main Objective

The main research objective of this study is;

• To assess the impact of urban expansion on the climate of Buea Metropolitan Area.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

The research is guided by the following specific research objectives

1. To assess the characteristics of the rapid urbanising Buea Metropolitan Area
2. To analyze the characteristics of the climate of Buea Metropolitan Area
3. To investigate the impact of urban expansion on climatic patterns in the Buea Metropolitan Area

1.5. Research Hypotheses

1.5.1. Main Hypothesis

1. Urban expansion has significantly impacted the climate of Buea Metropolitan Area.

1.5.2. Specific Hypotheses

1. Urban expansion has significantly resulted to built-up changes in Buea Metropolitan Area
2. There has been significant variation in temperature and rainfall in the Buea Metropolitan Area
3. There is a significant relationship between urban expansion and climatic patterns in Buea Metropolitan Area

1.6. Scope and Justification of the Study

The scope of the study involves three main elements: thematic, temporal and spatial scopes.

Thematically, the study focuses on urban expansion and climate changes, particularly temperature and rainfall for climate Variabilities and urban sprawl  for urban expansion. Here, we looked at the aspect of  an uncontrolled urban development mostly occurring in Buea Town. This research aimed  at targeting the sustainable development Goal number 11 on sustainable cities and communities and goal 13 on climate action. Within these sustainable development goals, we want to see how cities are evolving and their consequences as well as  how climate variability is evolving as urban expansion is one of those drivers of climate variability within our settlements.

Spatially, the research topic; urban expansion and its impact on the climate of the Buea Metropolitan Area is chosen because urban expansion and climate variability are two key issues of the 21st century. The Buea Metropolitan Area consists of  both urban zones like Molyko and Mile 17 which are characterized by higher population density and peri-urban zones, integrating areas like Bokwai, Buea Town and GRA which are marked by mixed land uses, informal settlements, agricultural activities and rapid, often unplanned development. (Ndechuya., 2025). Buea is chosen as a study site for this research because it is a city that is expanding and covers a Mountain slope. Since relief is the overriding factor impacting climate in Buea, we want to see if it  reduces the effect of urbanization on climate so that we can be able  to determine whether the climate of the neighborhoods within different attitudinal levels in Buea is varying from one another or urbanization is overriding.  The whole of Buea urban space that extends from the lower, middle and upper zones was used as reference points for collecting climatic data which  helped in clearly carving out the different climatic zones within Buea.

Temporally, Urban Expansion  maps of Buea were analyzed from 1980-1991, 1991-2002, 2002-2014 and 2014-December 2023 as well as climatic data which were collected from 1980 to December 2023. This is because by collecting data on urban expansion in Buea, we need to start from years before 1993 since urban expansion in Buea started within this period. The Buea urban area was surrounded with plantations, isolated clusters and isolated houses. But 1993 marked the coming of the University of Buea into existence, which attracted so many people, especially students, into the city of Buea.