CHAPTER ONE

 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter seeks to present the background to the study, statement of research Problem. It looks at the research questions, research objectives and research hypotheses. It examines the justification and significance of the study. It equally makes mention of the scope and delimitation of the study, thematic delimitation and spatial delimitation including, the organization of the study.

1.2 RESEARCH CONTEXT

Globally, recent studies have highlighted the importance of stakeholders’ strategies in urban renewal projects and the need for collaborative decision-making processes that involve all relevant parties (Cheng, 2024). For example, Smith et al. (2020) emphasized the role of participatory planning approaches in fostering community empowerment and social cohesion in urban renewal initiatives. Similarly, Jones and Brown (2019) demonstrated the positive impact of multi-stakeholder partnerships on the success of sustainable urban development projects. The interactions between these stakeholders and their strategies can either facilitate or hinder the progress of urban renewal projects in the entire world. It has been argued by Shen, (2024) that   effective stakeholders’ strategies is crucial for ensuring that diverse perspectives are considered, conflicts are resolved, and consensus is reached on key issues. By understanding the dynamics of stakeholder involvement and their strategies, urban planners and policymakers can develop more inclusive and sustainable urban renewal plans that address the complex challenges facing the world.

Recent development in research shows that the average population growth rate for the developed countries is 0.64 percent per year compared with 2.07 percent in developing countries (Waugh, 2019). According to UNICEF (2022), an increase in population implies an increasing number of stakeholders to be involved in any renewal. Africa and particularly, sub-Saharan Africa is said to be experiencing the fastest population growth in the world in the 21th century. Developing countries are experiencing the highest rate of urbanization as rural exodus continues to be a perennial phenomenon. It is argued that most (92 percent) of the world’s urban growth in the next two decades will be absorbed by cities of the developing world, which are least equipped to deal with rapid urbanization (UNDP and UNICEF 2019). This will be particularly notable in Africa and Asia, where the urban population will double between 2000 and 2030, making up 81 percent of urban growth during that period, with harmful consequences if governments do not prepare now for the coming growth.

In Cameroon, stakeholders carry on urban renewal, each employing distinct strategies to address the challenges of urbanization. The Cameroonian government, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINDUH), has initiated policies aimed at sustainable urban development, emphasizing infrastructure improvement and housing accessibility (MINDUH, 2021). Local communities actively participate in these processes, advocating for their needs and fostering ownership through participatory planning (Ngwa & Nguimkeu, 2022). Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) like Habitat for Humanity play a crucial role by promoting affordable housing and community development initiatives, often collaborating with local authorities to enhance living conditions (Habitat for Humanity, 2021). Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a strategic approach to leverage private investment in urban projects, thus facilitating infrastructure development while alleviating government financial constraints (Mokong & Tchamba, 2022). International organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), also contribute by providing technical support and funding for sustainable urban initiatives, aligning with national goals to improve urban resilience (UNDP Cameroon, 2022). Collectively, these stakeholders illustrate a multifaceted approach to urban renewal in Yaounde V subdivision, underscoring the importance of collaboration and integrated strategies for effective urban transformation.

In Yaounde V subdivision in particular, stakeholders in urban renewal projects often have different interests, priorities, and resources, which can influence the decision-making process and outcomes of the initiatives. Government agencies may focus on regulatory frameworks and infrastructure development, while private developers may prioritize profit margins and market demand. Local communities and residents may advocate for affordable housing, improved public spaces, and social inclusion. Non-governmental organizations may promote environmental sustainability and community empowerment. Therefore, understanding how stakeholders’ strategies influence urban renewal efforts in Yaounde V Subdivision is essential for promoting sustainable development in this rapidly evolving urban area. By examining the interactions between stakeholders, identifying key challenges and opportunities, and optimizing stakeholder strategies, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of urban renewal initiatives in Yaounde V subdivision in particular and in Cameroon generally.

In the world, urban renewal is often associated with sustainable development, as governments and developers claim it to be a means of reusing urban space in a sustainable manner to achieve integrated social, economic, and environmental goals (Riera Pérez et al., 2018; Huang et al., 2020 Cao et al., 2024). It is replacing unsustainable urban sprawl to be the focus of urban policy in many countries (Azhdari et al., 2018; Liu & Liu, 2022). Previous studies have evaluated the sustainability of urban renewal projects and found that they often prioritize the physical improvements and economic benefits while overlooking distributive justice in the social dimension (Ruá et al., 2019; Awad & Jung, 2022). The socio-spatial impacts of urban renewal projects thus become a critical factor that determines the comprehensive sustainability of such endeavors. Lu et al (2024), the process of urban renewal for most countries of the world have been in trusted the hands of stakeholders’ involvement. Except for a few countries, stakeholders’ strategies institution such as municipal councils have been at the helm of urban renewal (Zhong, 2024).

Third world countries, cities as well as the suburbs worldwide have faced significant social and economic changes. According to (Kasard, 2015), what once took place in a large, high-density city could now spread-out in a large, low-density city. Urban crisis had a dramatic influence on suburban growth and many people found no work and faced discrimination. The central city experienced high crime rates and high unemployment (Atakorah, 2024). The generation of new work places has become very instrumental due to the consequences of urbanization, economic stagnation or decline, local government, accelerated economic development, and activated local subject’s formation of corporative local climate, rapid mobilization of resources and generating certain level of sustainable endogenous development. Mckenziel (2016) argued that demographic and ecological changes of the city residents moving to suburban communities was a direct result of transportation innovation. In contrast, Hawley (2016) made a case that a diminished friction of space made urban de-concentration possible. However, suburban communities faced challenges such as declining quality of community life, lack of affordable housing, community structures are evolving and commuting times from home to work drastically reduced by improved roads, making more central city workers to live in suburb communities.

In Africa, urban renewal is a serious tool that had emerge in an attempt to provide desirable solution to the problem emanating from urbanization especially in areas that experience urbanization especially for a long period of time (Waymer, 2024). Cities have undergone changes since economic growth is accompanied by an accelerated urban expansion, in which inner city redevelopment programs have prevailed in cities across the country (Zhang and Fang, 2021). Land transformation and housing modification have stimulated extensive urban redevelopment (Wu, and Yeh, 2013) in millions of households were impacted. Thus, inhabited urban areas are fast spreading to the periphery of the town, while inner city experiences decay. The core inner city segment of urban population is indeed poor, and is constrained to limited, insufficient, crowded, cold, dirty shelter and a degraded environment. The urban poor who are the resident of these areas are subjected to a life characterized by precious conditions of nutrition little or poor material possessions (Filani, 2017; Mabogujie, (2019). Most urban centers in the developing country are characterized by high density of building, the crowding of large numbers of people into those building lack spaces for open air living between houses, substandard housing and acute environmental problems. Li (2024), highlights that many developing countries particularly, Nigeria is deteriorating at a very fast rate. The factors responsible can be trace to rapid urbanization, rural urban migration, urban infrastructure, and poor quality of original construction, lack of integrated planning, natural disaster and civil unrest (Owoeye and Omole, 2012). Furthermore, the increasing rate of urban sprawl is as a result of unplanned or inadequate manage urban expansion led to rapid sprawl, pollution, environmental degradation with unsustainable production and consumption pattern (UN, 2014). The urban growth, high population density and high consumption rate of resident in large cities has led to a wide range of local and global socioeconomic and environmental impacts. Of which requires attention from the world community and city decay being rampant within the third world countries, the need of urban renewal or urban regeneration where the urban area is revitalized again.

In Cameroon like many other countries of the world, the process of urban renewal has been the responsibility of diverse stakeholders’ (Zhong, 2024). The municipality, the ministry of Housing and Urban Development among others play an important role in urban renewal. However, increasing residential segregation is emerging as a hindrance to urban sustainability. For example, urban renewal projects that claim alignment with sustainable development goals still lack comprehensive studies of their impact on social segregation. This is evidenced by the ongoing scholarly debate over whether urban renewal has a positive or negative effect on social segregation. Furthermore, urban sustainable renewal is commonly conceptualized as the outcome of harmonizing economic, environmental, and social equity concerns (Huang et al., 2020). However, critics contend that social equity is frequently disregarded in developmental practices (Trudeau, 2018). In the same vein Residential segregation is another challenge which implies that groups living in different places lack equal access to the resources and opportunities of the city This is detrimental to the social equity and inclusiveness of the city (Bailey et al., 2013; Buck et al., 2021; Zahra et al., 2018). Noteworthy there may be an increase in poverty, crime, and urban decay in areas where vulnerable groups reside, posing significant obstacles to achieving sustainable development in the city (Tammaru et al., 2014).

In the context of Yaounde V , the council together with the  stakeholders’ activities aid to renew Yaounde V. This municipality is experiencing urban renewal due to the rapid rate of population growth and urbanization that has led to the depreciation, deterioration of infrastructures and social amenities; making urban renewal a call for concern. Urban renewal is a critical aspect of sustainable development in cities worldwide, including Yaounde V subdivision in Cameroon. According to Xiao (2022), the process of urban renewal involves revitalizing and improving urban areas to enhance their economic, social, and environmental sustainability. However, the success of urban renewal initiatives is often influenced by the strategies employed by various stakeholders involved in the process. Waymer (2024), notes that stakeholders including government agencies, local communities, private developers, non-governmental organizations, and residents, play a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of urban renewal projects.

Yaounde V subdivision is a diverse and rapidly growing urban area in Cameroon facing numerous challenges related to infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability. As the population continues to increase, there is a growing need for effective urban renewal strategies to address these challenges and create a more livable and resilient community. Understanding how stakeholders’ strategies impact urban renewal efforts in Yaounde V subdivision is essential for developing successful and sustainable development plans that meet the needs of the local population.

1.3. STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Urban renewal is a critical aspect of sustainable development in cities worldwide, including Yaounde V subdivision in Cameroon. However, various stakeholders and their strategies influence the effectiveness of urban renewal initiatives. Despite the importance of stakeholder engagement in urban renewal projects, there is an inadequate understanding of how different stakeholders’ strategies influence the success or failure of urban renewal initiatives in Yaounde V Subdivision. This gap in function hinders the effective implementation of sustainable development plans, which may lead to inefficient use of resources and missed opportunities for positive change in the community. The enabling nature of urban stakeholders’ strategies in the development of Yaounde V subdivision lies in the inadequacy of comprehensive understanding and empirical evidence regarding the effectiveness and impact of these strategies on driving sustainable development in the region (Zakaria, 2023). While existing literature predominantly focuses on government-led initiatives and infrastructure development, there is a significant gap in knowledge concerning the contributions of community groups, NGOs, and private sector actors in shaping the urban landscape of Yaounde V subdivision. By examining the strategies employed by various stakeholders and their impact on urban development in Yaounde V subdivision, this study aims to fill this knowledge gap and provide insights that can inform more inclusive and sustainable urban renewal practices in the region.

In the context of Yaounde V subdivision, there is perceived neglect evident by the presence of old structures in core city areas like Mvog-Ada, Essos, Mfandena, Ngoulmekong, Fouda district to name a few, inadequate drainage facilities, inadequate potable water, relatively poor road network and lack of basic sanitary facilities. Also, there is the recurrent construction of houses at Momebelinga, Ngousso-Ntem on steep slopes, which forms the edge of a long area on highland and for this reason; they may face the problem of landslide.  Others tend to settle in swamps like in the swamps/valleys of Nkolmesseng. Many people settle in such areas because of poverty especially as most of such inhabitants are low-income earners (Lin, 2022). Many people live in these areas despite its difficult topography also because these areas are their lands of birth; therefore, they find it difficult to emigrate from these areas. Furthermore, recent developments (building designs, road redevelopment) do not show signs of a planned environment with no unique style with sustainable development. Quarter roads with sizes less than the standard and house constructed without setbacks that meet the required standards characterise Yaounde V subdivision. More so, the areas within the slums show signs of urban poverty as evident by marked unemployment and consequently high crime wave. Further, the infrastructure of cities cannot meet the increased demands for services and this has led to increased crowding and a deteriorating urban environment.  This implies that, the aspects needing urban renewal in Yaounde V subdivision are numerous. Thus, urban renewal activities of these stakeholders’ strategies must consider driving sustainable development in the region.

Lastly, the challenges and logical framework of urban renewal by stakeholders in Yaounde V subdivision is crucial due to the complex and multifaceted nature of urban development in the region. While stakeholders such as community groups, NGOs, and private sector actors play a significant role in shaping the urban landscape, there is a hollow of recognition in the specific challenges they face in implementing sustainable renewal initiatives. Existing literature often overlooks the diverse strategies employed by these stakeholders and the impact of their interventions on urban development outcomes. By investigating the obstacles encountered by stakeholders and analyzing the logical framework guiding their actions in Yaounde V subdivision, this study seeks to shed light on the barriers hindering effective urban renewal efforts and identify opportunities for enhancing collaboration and coordination among different actors. Through a systematic examination of stakeholder strategies and their alignment with broader urban development goals, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and practitioners seeking to promote more inclusive and sustainable urban renewal practices in Yaounde V subdivision (He, 2023). In an attempt to find answers to these questions, the research is guided by the following research questions:

1.4 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1.4.1 Main research question

1) How do stakeholders’ strategies impact urban renewal in Yaounde V subdivision?

1.4.2 Specific research questions

1) How enabling are urban stakeholders’ strategies in the development of Yaounde V subdivision?

2) Which urban renewal activities are carried out by stakeholders in Yaounde V subdivision?

3) What are the challenges and logical framework of urban renewal by stakeholders in Yaounde V subdivision?

1.5 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

1.5.1 Main objective

1) To assess the role of stakeholders’ strategies in the urban renewal of Yaounde V subdivision.

 1.5.2 Specific objectives

1) To evaluate how stakeholders’ strategies affect urban renewal process in Yaounde V subdivision.

2) To acknowledge urban renewal activities in Yaounde V subdivision by the Stakeholders.

3) To analyse the challenges and mitigation of the urban renewal process in Yaounde V subdivision.