ABSTRACT

This research work had as title community based natural resource management; the role of the community in rural water supply in the Bamenda I municipality. The study had as specific objectives to examine the management of water in domestic homes, the challenges and the sustainable water management strategies in Bamenda I. 

The study adopted a descriptive survey making use of qualitative and quantitative data. Data was collected from a sample size of 100. The data was then analyzed with the use of MS word, 2010 and SPSS v20 and the results were presented in tables and charts. From the findings, the study revealed the management of domestic water in Bamenda I subdivision. Common uses of water were found to be drinking and cleaning.

The study equally observed several challenges faced which were socio economic (population growth, poor management, wastage, etc.), physical challenges including climate change, topography, relief, etc. the study equally found sustainable water management strategies revealing the various ways in managing and regulating its use. The study recommends community involvement  by the stakeholders and equally educating and creating awareness concerning community based water management in Bamenda I subdivision.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study

Community-based natural resource management: an approach to natural resource management that involves the full participation of indigenous peoples’ and local communities and resource users in decision-making activities, and the incorporation of local institutions, customary practices, and knowledge systems in management, regulatory, and enforcement processes. Under this approach, community-based monitoring and information systems are initiatives by indigenous peoples and local community organisations to monitor their community’s well-being and the state of their territories and natural resources, applying a mix of traditional knowledge and innovative tools and approaches (Water Aid, 2022).

Bamenda, the capital city of the North West Region of Cameroon, faces numerous challenges when it comes to water management. These challenges include climate change, increased demand, inadequate infrastructure, and poor water quality. Climate change has led to changes in rainfall patterns, making it difficult to predict the availability of water. According to a study by Nkwatoh et al. (2018), there has been a decrease in rainfall in the region, which has resulted in water scarcity during the dry season. This has led to increased competition for water resources, particularly among farmers. Increased demand for water in Bamenda is also a significant challenge. The city’s population has been growing rapidly, and this has put pressure on the existing water supply infrastructure. According to a report by the World Bank (2019), only 30% of Bamenda’s population has access to piped water, and the rest rely on other sources such as wells, springs, and rivers. The inadequate infrastructure is another challenge faced by water management in Bamenda. The existing infrastructure is old and in need of repair and maintenance. According to the World Bank (2019), the water supply system in Bamenda is outdated and inefficient, resulting in water losses of up to 50%.

Poor water quality is also a significant challenge in Bamenda I. The water sources in the region are contaminated with bacteria and other pollutants, making them unsafe for human consumption. According to a study by Nkwatoh et al. (2018), the water quality in Bamenda is generally poor, with high levels of bacteria and other pollutants. As such, water management in Bamenda faces numerous challenges, including climate change, increased demand, inadequate infrastructure, and poor water quality. Addressing these challenges will require significant investment in water infrastructure, improved governance and management, and the adoption of sustainable water management practices.

Community-based resources play a crucial role in water management in Bamenda, Cameroon. Bamenda I is a rapidly growing city with a population of over 500,000 people, and water scarcity is a significant challenge for the city. According to a report by WaterAid, only 57% of the population in Bamenda has access to safe drinking water, and the situation is worse in peri-urban and rural areas (WaterAid, 2019). Community-based resources such as community wells, boreholes, and rainwater harvesting systems are essential sources of water for many households in Bamenda. These resources are managed by local communities, who are responsible for their maintenance and upkeep. Community members contribute financially and physically to the construction and maintenance of these resources, which ensures their sustainability. In addition to providing water, community-based resources also promote community participation and ownership in water management. The involvement of community members in the management of these resources ensures that they are used sustainably and that everyone has access to water. Community-based water committees are responsible for managing these resources, and they work closely with local authorities and water service providers to ensure that water is distributed equitably.

One example of community-based water management in Bamenda I subdivision is the use of water committees. Water committees are groups of individuals within a community who are responsible for managing the water resources in their area. They work with the local government and other stakeholders to ensure that water is distributed fairly and that the community has access to safe drinking water. One such committee is the Bamenda I Water Committee, which was established in 2017 with the support of the local government and other stakeholders. The committee has been instrumental in ensuring that water is distributed equitably and that the community has access to safe drinking water (Bamenda I Council, 2017). Another example of community-based water management in Bamenda I subdivision is the use of community water sources. Community water sources are sources of water that are managed by the community. These sources may include springs, rivers, and wells. In Bamenda I subdivision, many communities rely on community water sources for their water supply. For example, the community of Nkwen has a community water source that provides water to over 5,000 people. The community manages the water source through a committee and has implemented measures to ensure that the water is safe for consumption (Nkwen Community Development Association, 2020).

Community-led water management initiatives have also played a significant role in water management in Bamenda I subdivision. These initiatives are led by community members and focus on improving access to water and ensuring that water resources are managed sustainably. One such initiative is the Bamenda Sustainable Water Project, which was established in 2018. The project focuses on improving access to water in the community and promoting sustainable water management practices. The project has been successful in providing safe drinking water to many communities in Bamenda I subdivision (Bamenda Sustainable Water Project 2021). In view, community-based resources such as water committees, community water sources, and community-led water management initiatives have played a crucial role in water management in Bamenda I subdivision. These resources have helped to ensure that water is distributed equitably, that the community has access to safe drinking water, and that water resources are managed sustainably (Bamenda Sustainable Water Project 2021).

One example of successful community-based water management in Bamenda is the Bafut Water Supply Project. The project was initiated by the Bafut Council in partnership with the local community, and it involved the construction of a water treatment plant and the installation of distribution networks. The project has significantly improved access to safe drinking water in Bafut and surrounding areas (WaterAid, 2019). They provide essential sources of water for many households, promote community participation and ownership in water management, and contribute to the sustainability of water resources. Local authorities and water service providers should support and promote community-based water management initiatives to improve access to safe drinking water in Bamenda (WaterAid, 2019).

It is thus imperative to focus more on adopting a wide-ranging approach to improved management by building institutions that fit the socioeconomic and environmental system, while identifying the potentials in socities that may asisit water mangers to designe better meaures to water resources in Bamenda I.