CHAPTER ONE

              GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background to The Study

The connectivity of land use and transport systems is a critical issue globally. According to recent research, the planning of land use and transport plays a central role in shaping the livability, sustainability, and economic productivity of cities worldwide. The concept of “transit-oriented development” (TOD) has emerged as a key strategy for promoting sustainable urban forms. Transit-oriented development advocates for high-density, mixed-use development near public transport hubs, thus reducing dependence on cars and enhancing public transport ridership. This model is increasingly being adopted in major cities such as those in Europe, North America, and Asia, as detailed in the 2023 study by Intex on urban mobility strategies (Intex, 2023).

Recent advancements in urban planning emphasize that transport and land use should not be planned in isolation. Research by the World Bank stresses that cities that successfully connect land use and transport planning tend to have lower carbon footprints, better quality of life, and more equitable access to essential services (World Bank, 2022). For example, cities like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Tokyo have made significant strides in creating connected land use and transport policies that have led to reduced traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhanced urban mobility (Intex, 2023).

Globally, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (particularly Goal 11, “Sustainable Cities and Communities”) underline the need for connected planning approaches. SDG 11 promotes the development of sustainable urban spaces, emphasizing the importance of public transport systems, green spaces, and the reduction of sprawl. These global frameworks have paved the way for cities to consider the interdependence of land use, transport, and environmental factors in their planning efforts (UN, 2022).

In Africa, rapid urbanization and population growth present unique challenges to urban planners (UN-Habitat, 2021). A large portion of Africa’s population is concentrated in informal settlements, where transport infrastructure is inadequate and land use is often unregulated (World Bank, 2022). This has led to widespread inefficiencies in the urban transport system, environmental degradation, and a lack of access to basic services (UN-Habitat, 2021). In response, many African cities are beginning to focus on land use and transport connectivity as part of their urban development strategies (World Bank, 2023).

In South Africa, the connection of land use and transport has been a central theme in urban planning for the past two decades. The South African government has promoted integrated development planning, where land-use and transport decisions are made concurrently. A recent study on Johannesburg emphasizes how TOD principles have been implemented to create compact, walkable neighborhoods with improved access to public transport. These policies are seen as a key solution to reduce traffic congestion, air pollution, and social inequality in African cities (South African Planning Journal, 2022). Other African cities, such as Nairobi and Lagos, are also moving towards the connection of transport and land-use planning, with varying degrees of success. The UN-Habitat report on African cities indicates that many cities are starting to integrate public transport corridors with mixed-use developments, but challenges remain due to limited financial resources and institutional capacity (UN-Habitat, 2021).

In Cameroon, the urbanization process is accelerating, and Bamenda, the capital of the North West Region, is experiencing significant growth. The city faces numerous urban planning challenges, including inadequate transport infrastructure, unregulated land use, and rapid urban sprawl. However, the need for connecting transport and land use is increasingly recognized by the Cameroonian government and local authorities. In 2021, the government of Cameroon, in collaboration with international development agencies, began efforts to connect transport and land-use planning in the city of Douala through the implementation of a sustainable urban mobility plan. This plan, as discussed in the Cameroon Transport Development Report (2021), has focused on improving traffic management, public transport infrastructure, and land-use zoning to optimize urban mobility and reduce congestion. These efforts are expected to inform future projects in other cities such as Bamenda, which share similar urbanization trends. Recent studies highlight the growing need for such connection. In Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, for example, the Douala Urban Mobility Project (2023) identified the importance of enhancing urban mobility through better transport infrastructure and land-use coordination (World Bank, 2023).

Bamenda’s urban development and growth have also been studied in recent years. A study on the dynamics of urban sprawl and land use change in the Bamenda urban area from 1996 to 2018, analyzed how the city has expanded in terms of both population and infrastructure. It showed that urban sprawl has outpaced the development of transport infrastructure, leading to inefficient land use and transport connectivity. (ResearchGate, 2020).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Bamenda, with its growing population and expanding urban area, faces challenges typical of many African cities, including rapid, uncoordinated urban growth, traffic congestion, and inefficient public transport systems. The city’s transport network is limited, with major roads often congested and poorly maintained. Additionally, land use in Bamenda is characterized by informal settlements, where land development occurs without adequate planning or coordination with transport infrastructure. The city’s population has been growing at a fast pace, leading to an increased demand for housing, transport infrastructure, and essential services. This growth has outpaced the development of necessary transport and land-use systems, resulting in overcrowded and inefficient transport connectivity. The lack of a coordinated approach to urban growth exacerbates these issues, creating the need for better connection of land use and transport to accommodate Bamenda’s expanding population while ensuring sustainability and liability.

 The existing transport systems are often congested, poorly maintained, and disconnected from key urban areas like mobile nkwen and around mile 2 junction. A more integrated approach to land use and transport planning is needed to develop efficient, well-connected, and sustainable transportation networks that can support the city’s growth and reduce the environmental impact of transport. This has led to sprawling neighborhoods, with poorly connected areas and inefficient land utilization. The spread of informal settlements, often located far from transport hubs and key services, has made it difficult to provide adequate public transport and essential services to all residents. Connecting land-use planning with transport systems is critical to curbing urban sprawl and ensuring that future development is more sustainable and accessible

1.3 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following main research question and specific sub questions.

1.3.1 Main research question

How can land use and transport connectivity in Bamenda, contribute to sustainable urban planning and improve efficient urban mobility?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions:

1. How do existing land use patterns in Bamenda influence transport connectivity
2. What are the current challenges in the connection of land use and transport connectivity in Bamenda?
3. What strategies can be adopted to improve land use and transport connectivity in Bamenda?

1.4 Research objective 

1.4.1 Main Research Objective:

To evaluate how land use and transport connectivity contribute to sustainable urban planning and improve efficient urban mobility in the city of Bamenda.

1.4.2 Specific Research Objectives:

1. To examine how the existing land use patterns in Bamenda influence transport connectivity
2. To identify the key challenges associated with the connectivity of land use and transport systems in Bamenda.
3. To develop evidence-based recommendations and strategies for improving land use and transport connectivity in Bamenda.