ABSTRACT

Flood hazards are regular phenomenon occurring on many landscapes around the world today especially in the developing and developed countries. This is the case with the Buea Municipality. Their occurrences are as a result of a combination of factors and produce diverse effects on the environment and the socio-economic development. The main aim of this study therefore was to examine the contributing factors to flood risk in the Buea Municipality. The study used a cross-sectional and survey design to collect and analyze the required data. Data collection was done using semi-structured interviews, field observation and from secondary sources like text books and scientific articles from the internet. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Chi square was used to test the hypothesis. The result showed that there are many contributing factors of flood risk in the Buea Municipality. Households have had different experiences on the prevalence of flood hazards. From the field observation, it was seen that majority of the respondents (99%) have had experience on the occurrence of floods meanwhile those who have had no experience on the occurrence of urban floods occupy a smaller proportion (1%). The result discovered that flood hazard in Buea are caused by physical factors including high rainfall patterns, topography, soil saturation, and human related factors such as deforestation, urbanization and improper solid waste disposal. Participants also proposed measures that could be implemented to reduce the adverse effects of urban flood hazards. The suggested measures include: developing policies and guidelines for flood risk management, initiating and promoting capacity building programs amongst others.

CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction

This chapter provides an introduction to the research topic of land use planning and flood risk in Buea Cameroon.it sets the stage for the subsequent chapters by explaining the significance of the study defining key terms and outlining the research objectives and questions. This chapter serves as the general introduction to the research topic land use planning and flood risk in the Buea urban area.it provides an overview of the study highlighting its significance and purpose, the structure and organization of the research. The focus is on the relationship between land use planning and flood risk in the Buea urban area, it highlights the importance of studying this issue and identifies the key research objectives and the structure of the study.

“This chapter provides an overview of the topic of land use planning and flood risk in Buea, Cameroon. It begins by providing a definition of land use planning, and then outlines the different components of flood risk, including rainfall, storm surge, and vulnerability. It then discusses the challenges associated with managing flood risk in the region. Finally, it outlines the approach that will be taken in this research, and provides an overview of the structure of the rest of the dissertation.”

1.1 Background of the Study

Planning is considered a tool to meet specific objectives (Fainstein and Campbell 2011). Land use planning: “Land use planning refers to the process of regulating and managing the use of land in a specific area, typically through a local or regional planning authority.” (Davies, 2019)

However, Planning is considered a tool to meet specific objectives (Fainstein and Campbell 2011). Land use decisions are primarily made locally, where individual land use decisions aggregate land use trends, nationally and globally. Globally, urban centers are at a high risk of flooding, not only from more frequent and severe hydrometerogical events and sea-level rise, but also from rapid, sprawling, and often unplanned urban development that is outpacing the construction or improvement of drainage infrastructure. A risk-based approach to land use planning is crucial to cities in both developed and developing countries. “Land use planning is the process of managing and regulating the use of land in a particular area. In Buea, Cameroon, land use planning is an important tool for mitigating the impacts of flood risk, which is a significant challenge in the region. Flooding can cause extensive damage to property and infrastructure, and it can also lead to loss of life. By carefully managing land use, it is possible to reduce the risk of flooding and protect the people and property of Buea. Flood risk management in Buea requires a holistic approach that takes into account a variety of factors, (Agrawall, 2006)

Land use planning refers to the regulation of land use activities for the purpose of managing the built and natural environment in an integrated, sustainable manner. Flood risk is the probability of flooding in a given area, and is a function of the probability of rainfall, the probability of storm surge, and the vulnerability of the built and natural environment to flooding.” (UNISDR, 2017)

Land use planning plays a crucial role in mitigating flood risks in urban areas. As climate change intensifies, the frequency and severity of flooding events are on the rise, posing significant challenges for cities worldwide. Buea, a rapidly growing urban area located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, is no exception to this phenomenon. With its unique topography and increasing urbanization, Buea faces the pressing need to implement effective land use planning strategies to address flood risk and ensure sustainable development.

This research aims to explore the relationship between land use planning and flood risk in the Buea urban area. By examining the current land use patterns, identifying areas prone to flooding, and evaluating existing planning policies and practices, this study seeks to provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of current approaches and propose recommendations for enhancing flood resilience in Buea.

Several studies have highlighted the significance of land use planning in flood risk management. According to Smith et al. (2018), strategic land use planning can help identify flood-prone areas, restrict development in high-risk zones, and promote sustainable land use practices. Furthermore, research by Johnson and Smith (2019) emphasizes the importance of integrating flood risk considerations into land use policies to minimize potential damages and protect human lives.

In the context of Buea, limited research has been conducted on the specific intersection of land use planning and flood risk. However, studies such as Mbuh et al. (2017) have examined broader aspects of urbanization and flood hazards in Cameroon, providing a foundation for understanding the challenges faced by Buea.

By addressing this research gap, the findings of this study can contribute to the development of evidence-based land use planning strategies that effectively mitigate flood risks and promote sustainable urban development in Buea. Ultimately, this research aims to support policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders in making informed decisions to enhance the city’s resilience to flooding.

Globally, land use planning and flood risk are major concerns, as the impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident. Many cities around the world are vulnerable to flooding, and land use planning is seen as an important tool for reducing this risk. In Africa, the situation is particularly challenging, as many cities are located in flood-prone areas and have a high population density. In addition, many African cities lack the resources to effectively manage land use and flood risk.

In Cameroon, land use planning and flood risk management are particularly challenging, due to the country’s topography and climate. Much of the country is located in the Congo Basin, which is prone to flooding. In addition, many areas of the country are mountainous, which can lead to landslides and other hazards. The country’s rainy season is also particularly long, with the risk of flooding peaking in September and October. As a result, many cities in Cameroon have experienced flooding in recent years, including Buea. The history of land use planning and flood risk in Buea is a long and complex one, with a number of major events shaping the current situation. In 1976, a major flood caused extensive damage to the city, and prompted the government to develop a land use plan to help prevent future disasters. However, this plan was not effectively implemented, and subsequent floods have continued to cause damage. In 2001, another major flood occurred, and in 2012, heavy rains caused severe flooding in the city. In response to these events, the government has developed a number of initiatives to improve land use planning and flood risk management in Buea.”

1.2 Problem statement

The planning of research projects involves a chain of thought processes. The first and the deciding or the critical step is the isolation and definition of the problem to be investigated because all scientific inquiries or investigations stem from problems(Kumerpok,2002). Despite its geographical location and vulnerability to floods, the Buea urban area lacks effective land use planning strategies to mitigate flood risks. The lack of effective land use planning and flood risk management in Buea, Cameroon, poses a significant threat to the city’s residents and infrastructure (PNRGID, 2011; Buea Local Development Plan, 2009-2014). Despite the existence of national and regional policies and regulations, the implementation of these policies has been ineffective, resulting in increased flood risk and damage (Udo, 2013; Efange, 2015).

1.3 Research questions

Based on the problem statement, the following research questions have been designed to bring possible solutions to the following questions.

1.3.1 Main question.

How does flood risk affect land use planning in the Buea urban area?

1.4.2 Specific Questions

• What are the current land use patterns in the Buea urban area?
• What are the areas prone to flooding in Buea Urban?
• What are the key factors contributing to flood risk in the Buea urban area?
• How can land use planning strategies be improved to reduce flood risk in the Buea urban area?

1.4 Research Objectives

Base on the nature of the problem, the study is guided by the following general and specific objectives

1.4.1. Main objective

The main objective of the research topic is to investigate the impact of land use planning on flood risk in the specific context of Buea as well as to understand how land use planning decisions impact flood vulnerability and identify strategies to mitigate flood risks.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

• To Assess the existing land use patterns in Buea Urban Area
• To identify areas prone to flooding.
• To Analyze the factors contributing to flood risks, such as topography, rainfall patterns, and land cover changes.
• To Propose strategies and recommendations for integrating flood risk management into land use planning processes.