The Socioeconomic and Environmental Implications of Urban Sprawl on the Coastline of Douala-Cameroon. Options for Integrated Coastal Management

Master's Thesis , 2013 , 167 Pages , Grade: A (91/100)

Geography / Earth Science - Oceanography

The geodynamics of the coastal stretch naturally serve as a convergence point for anthropogenic settlements world-wide. On a global scale, coastal areas occupy 20 percent of the Earth’s surface, yet they harbour approximately 50 percent of human population living within 200 km of the coast (UN, 2002). The continuous occupancy of the coastal milieu with limited resources and increasing economic hardship has resulted to uncoordinated spatial layout of urban settlement, termed urban sprawl. Urban sprawl, though not a new phenomenon, remains a challenge for most decision makers of the world, of which, Cameroon is not an exception. The challenge is further compounded by the fact that sprawl is not well circumscribed as there is no universally accepted definition for it.
This paper, therefore, addresses the socioeconomic and environmental implications of urban sprawl on the coastline of Douala-Cameroon by making use of qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Emphatic analyses of some of the hypothesis are made with the use of land value models of William Alonso, Earnest Burgess, Chauncy Harris, and Edward Ullman. Douala, the economic capital and main seaport of Cameroon, is the industrial nerve of the country. Douala harbours almost 80% of the Cameroon’s industries (Angwe and Gabche, 1997) and because of the nature and varied economic activity; it is the fastest growing area of Cameroon. The fast growing nature of the town coupled with poor management strategies have meant that there is a lot of pressure exerted on its coastal resources. There is, therefore, a need for proposed long-lasting solutions to reverse or attenuate the prevailing situation. This study elucidates a brief background of Cameroon and paints a vivid picture on the morphological aspect of sprawl as well as its socioeconomic connotations. The work also examines the key players involved in shaping the urban planning process in Douala and further x-ray gaps inhibiting sustainable urban planning in Cameroon.
Moreover, the paper examines Xiamen’s socioeconomic and environmental atmosphere before and after the implementation of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) and, it is, however, deduced that, the entrusting of more powers to local governments to implement new environmental laws and welcoming of multilateral and bilateral assistance by the Chinese Central Government acted as a crunch since the introduction of ICM (Chen and Juha, 2003). [...]

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents in English)

• Abstract
• 摘 要 (Abstract in Chinese)
• List of Acronyms
• List of Figures
• List of Plates
• List of Tables
• List of Graphs
• 1 General Introduction and Background Information
• 1.1 General Introduction
• 1.1.1 Problem Statement
• 1.1.2 Research Questions
• 1.1.3 Hypotheses
• 1.1.4 Research Objectives
• 1.1.4.1 Specific Objectives
• 1.1.4.2 General Objectives
• 1.1.5 Scope of the Study
• 1.1.6 Research Methodology
• 1.1.7 Time Schedule of Study
• 1.1.8 Structure of the Thesis
• 1.1.9 Problems Associated with Data Collection
• 1.1.10 Delimitation of Study Area
• 1.1.10.1 Thematic Delimitation
• 1.1.10.2 Temporal Delimitation
• 1.1.10.3 Spatial Delimitations
• 1.2 Background Information
• 1.2.1 Environmental Factors
• 1.2.1.1 Climate
• 1.2.1.2 Vegetation and Wildlife
• 1.2.1.3 Hydrography
• 1.2.2 Socioeconomic Factors
• 1.2.2.1 Population
• 1.2.2.2 Health
• 1.2.2.3 Education
• 1.2.2.4 Economy
• 1.2.2.4.1 Agriculture
• 1.2.2.4.2 Industrialization
• 1.2.2.4.3 Employment
• 1.2.2.4.4 Socio-political Issues of the Douala Coastal Space
• 2 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
• 2.1 Literature Review
• 2.1.1 History and Definition of Keywords
• 2.1.1.1 Roots of Urban Sprawl.
• 2.1.1.2 Definition of Urban Sprawl
• 2.1.1.3 History of Integrated Coastal Management.
• 2.1.1.4 Definition of Integrated Coastal Management
• 2.1.1.5 Definition of Coastal Area
• 2.2 Causes of Urban Sprawl
• 2.2.1 Population Growth
• 2.2.2 The Lack of a Comprehensive Master Plan
• 2.2.3 Industrialization
• 2.2.4 Expectations of Land Appreciation and Speculation
• 2.2.5 Lack of Proper Planning Policies and Failure to Enforce Planning Policies
• 2.3 The Implication of Urban Sprawl
• 2.3.1 Disparity in Wealth
• 2.3.2 Impacts on the Ecosystem
• 2.3.3 Loss of Agricultural Land
• 2.3.4 Increased in Social Cost
• 2.3.5 Impacts on Water Quality and Quantity
• 2.4 Importance of Coastal Areas
• 2.4.1 Physical Importance
• 2.4.1.1 Shoreline Stabilization
• 2.4.1.2 Maintenance of Water Quality
• 2.4.2 Socioeconomic Importance
• 2.4.2.1 Fishing and Aquaculture
• 2.4.2.2 Generation of Electricity
• 2.4.2.3 Tourists Asset
• 2.5 Management Options to Address Urban Sprawl
• 2.5.1 Geographic Information System
• 2.5.2 Integrated Spatial Planning
• 2.5.3 Smart Growth
• 2.6 Theoretical Framework
• 2.6.1 Bid Rent Theory
• 2.6.2 Concentric Zone Theory
• 2.6.3 Sector Model
• 2.6.4 Multiple Nuclei Theory
• 2.6.5 DPSIR Framework

3 Circumscribing Urban Sprawl in Douala-Cameroon

• 3.1 Typology of Buildings
• 3.1.1 The Temporary Buildings
• 3.1.2 Definite Buildings (The Standard Way)
• 3.1.3 Definite Buildings (The Luxury)
• 3.2 Forms of Sprawl in Douala
• 3.2.1 Low Density Sprawl
• 3.2.2 Leapfrog Development
• 3.2.3 Ribbon Sprawl
• 3.3 Causes of Urban Sprawl in Douala
• 3.3.1 Pre-colonial Period
• 3.3.2 Colonial Period
• 3.3.3 Post-colonial Period
• 3.3.3.1 Structural Adjustment Program and Economic Instability
• 3.3.3.2 Government Policy
• 3.3.3.2.1 Population Growth
• 3.3.3.2.2 Accessibility
• 3.4 The Implication of Urban Sprawl on the Coast of Douala
• 3.4.1 Socioeconomic Implications
• 3.4.1.1 Health
• 3.4.1.2 Education
• 3.4.2 Environmental Implications
• 3.4.2.1 Effect on Fresh Water
• 3.4.2.2 Effect on Sea Water Resources
• 3.4.2.2.1 Effect on Mangrove

4 A Recapitulation of Urban Planning Policy and the Analysis of Gaps in Cameroon

• 4.1 Stakeholders Involved in Urban Planning in Cameroon
• 4.1.1 At the Institutional Level
• 4.1.1.1 Ministerial Level
• 4.1.1.2 MAETUR
• 4.1.1.3 S.I.C.
• 4.1.2 At the Municipal Level
• 4.1.2.1 Douala Urban Council (CUD)
• 4.1.2.2 HYSACAM (Hygienne et Salubrité du Cameroun)
• 4.1.3 Para-statals
• 4.2 Gaps in Cameroon’s Urban Planning Policy
• 4.2.1 Obsolete Master Plan
• 4.2.2 Inadequate Implementation of Land Use Plan
• 4.2.3 Misappropriation of Urban Planning Tools
• 4.2.4 Inadequate Qualified Staff
• 4.2.5 Insufficient Exertion of Functions
• 4.2.6 Conflicting Functions
• 4.2.7 Land Ownership Problems

5 Xiamen Integrated Coastal Management: A Hope for Cameroon’s Coastal Management

• 5.1 Xiamen Before the ICM Implementation
• 5.2 Xiamen After ICM Implementation
• 5.3 Recommendations

6 Results and Discussion

7 Conclusions and General Recommendations

• 7.1 Conclusions
• 7.2 General Recommendations
• 7.3 Outlook for Further Study

References

Annex - 1: Acknowledgement

Annex - 2: Questionnaires

ANNEXE 2: Les Questionnaires Utilisent Pour Recueillir Des Données Par Le Biais D'un Sondage Et Des Entrevues (Questionnaires in French)

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes in English)

This thesis examines the socioeconomic and environmental implications of urban sprawl on the coastline of Douala, Cameroon. The main objective is to identify the driving forces behind urban sprawl and assess the consequences of this phenomenon. This research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the issue and propose potential solutions, drawing on the experience of Xiamen, China, where the implementation of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) has been successful. The key themes investigated in this thesis include: * **Urban Sprawl:** Understanding the different forms of urban sprawl in Douala, its causes, and its socioeconomic and environmental impacts. * **Integrated Coastal Management (ICM):** Examining the principles of ICM and its potential to address the challenges of urban sprawl in Cameroon. * **Policy Gaps and Challenges:** Identifying the shortcomings in Cameroon's urban planning and environmental policies and analyzing their role in perpetuating urban sprawl. * **The Role of Stakeholders:** Evaluating the responsibilities and involvement of various stakeholders, including government agencies, local authorities, industries, and the general public, in the management of coastal resources. * **Lessons Learned from Xiamen:** Analyzing the successful implementation of ICM in Xiamen and highlighting the key factors that contributed to its success.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries in English)

The thesis is structured into seven chapters that delve into the multifaceted nature of urban sprawl and its implications for the Douala coastline. Here's a brief overview of each chapter's key points, excluding the conclusion to avoid spoilers: * **Chapter 1: General Introduction and Background Information:** Introduces the research topic, the problem statement, research questions, hypotheses, and objectives. It provides a comprehensive overview of Cameroon's environmental and socioeconomic context, with particular focus on the Douala area. * **Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework:** Presents a critical analysis of existing research on urban sprawl, ICM, and related concepts. It examines various theories and frameworks that provide theoretical grounding for understanding the relationship between urban development, coastal resources, and environmental management. * **Chapter 3: Circumscribing Urban Sprawl in Douala-Cameroon:** Analyzes the different types and forms of urban sprawl in Douala, focusing on the city's morphological features and growth patterns. It explores the historical and contemporary factors that have contributed to the city's sprawl, highlighting the roles of colonialism, post-colonial policies, and population growth. * **Chapter 4: A Recapitulation of Urban Planning Policy and the Analysis of Gaps in Cameroon:** Examines the legal framework for urban planning and coastal management in Cameroon. It analyzes the responsibilities of various government institutions and agencies involved in urban development and identifies the shortcomings and conflicts in policy implementation. * **Chapter 5: Xiamen Integrated Coastal Management: A Hope for Cameroon’s Coastal Management:** Presents a case study of Xiamen, China, highlighting the successes and challenges of its ICM program. It analyzes the environmental and socioeconomic conditions in Xiamen before and after ICM implementation, identifying the key factors that contributed to the program's success. * **Chapter 6: Results and Discussion:** Presents the findings of the research, discussing the validity of the hypotheses and examining the data collected through surveys and interviews. It analyzes the relationship between urban sprawl, poverty, and environmental degradation, demonstrating the interconnections between these factors.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords in English)

The research focuses on the interrelationship between urban sprawl, coastal management, and environmental sustainability. Key terms and concepts examined in this thesis include: * **Urban Sprawl** * **Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)** * **Coastal Area** * **Land Value** * **Douala-Cameroon** * **Sectoral Management** * **Sustainable Urban Development** * **Policy Implementation** * **Stakeholder Involvement** * **Environmental Degradation** * **Poverty** * **Livelihood Strategies** * **Economic Growth** * **Xiamen, China** This preview encapsulates the main themes and arguments explored in the thesis, offering a comprehensive overview of the work without revealing major conclusions or spoilers.

• College: Xiamen University (Coastal and Ocean Management Institute)
• Course: Marine Affairs
• Grade: A (91/100)
• Authors: Suinyuy Derrick Ngoran (Author), Prof. Xue XiongZhi (Author)
• Publication Year: 2013
• Pages: 167
• Catalog Number: V269019
• ISBN (eBook): 9783656594529
• ISBN (Book): 9783656594512
• Language: English
• Tags: socioeconomic, environmental, implications, urban, sprawl, coastline, douala-cameroon, options, integrated, coastal, management