Abstract

The problem of water shortage in many places in developing nations has persisted throughout the years, with diverse effects, particularly in metropolitan areas, even in the best of economic situations.

This appears to be exacerbated by increasing urbanization (leading in water pollution as water needs rise), climate change, and seasonality. Despite being located in a hilly terrain with ample rainfall over the years, Buea has been greatly pressured by water shortages, which is exacerbated by seasonal variations. In this regard, the purpose of this research is to discover trends in the climatic parameters of temperature and rainfall.

It also looks into the numerous adaption methods to water shortage employed by the population throughout seasonal shifts. The systematic random sample approach was utilized in the study, which used a mixed research design. 200 questionnaires were delivered to the sampled people in the Buea neighborhoods of Molyko, Buea Town, Federal Quarters, and Great Soppo.

The study also included field observations and interviews in order to analyze the water supply and seasonal fluctuation, as well as the various water shortage responses used by the studied community. The study employed linear regression to identify variability in the trends of environmental factors such as temperature and rainfall in Buea.

The chi- square test was used to verify the assertion that the water scarcity adaptation measures put in place are a function of seasonal variability in Buea. The findings revealed that drilling of boreholes, fetching of water from neighbouring streams and springs in the municipality, rainwater harvesting among others were revealed by this study to be some of the water scarcity adaptations that have been put in place.

The findings also demonstrated that the different water scarcity adaptations implemented in Buea are not a result of seasonal fluctuations. Income was identified as a critical driver of both the kind of water shortage adaptation implemented and the type of water scarcity adaptation implemented.

As a result, the research makes recommendations to the government, the Buea council, CAMWATER, and the Buea populace. Collaboration among these diverse stakeholders was emphasized as one of the primary foundations to build on for a successful battle against water shortage, which poses a serious issue in Buea in the twenty-first century.