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). [...]
Table of Contents
- 1 General Introduction and Background Information
- 1.1 General Introduction
- 1.2 Background Information
- 2 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
- 2.1 Literature Review
- 2.2 Causes of Urban Sprawl
- 2.3 The Implication of Urban Sprawl
- 2.4 Importance of Coastal Areas
- 2.5 Management Options to Address Urban Sprawl
- 2.6 Theoretical Framework
- 3 Circumscribing Urban Sprawl in Douala-Cameroon
- 3.1 Typology of Buildings
- 3.2 Forms of Sprawl in Douala
- 3.3 Causes of Urban Sprawl in Douala
- 3.4 The Implication of Urban Sprawl on the Coast of Douala
- 4 A Recapitulation of Urban Planning Policy and the Analysis of Gaps in Cameroon
- 4.1 Stakeholders Involved in Urban Planning in Cameroon
- 4.2 Gaps in Cameroon’s Urban Planning Policy
- 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
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis investigates the socioeconomic and environmental consequences of urban sprawl on the Douala coastline in Cameroon. It aims to identify the driving forces behind this sprawl, explore the relationship between sprawl and environmental protection, and assess the impact of inadequate policies on coastal dwellers' livelihoods. Finally, it proposes solutions to mitigate the negative impacts and suggests integrated coastal management (ICM) as a potential pathway to sustainable development.
- The causes and consequences of urban sprawl in Douala.
- The impact of urban sprawl on the socioeconomic conditions of coastal communities.
- The environmental implications of urban sprawl on Douala's coastal ecosystem.
- Gaps in Cameroon's urban planning and environmental policies.
- The potential of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a solution.
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: General Introduction and Background Information: This chapter introduces the problem of coastal degradation in Douala, Cameroon, focusing on the impacts of urban sprawl driven by inadequate policies and bureaucratic inefficiencies. It highlights the challenges faced by coastal areas globally, including pollution, sea-level rise, and unplanned urbanization. The chapter establishes the research questions and hypotheses, outlines the research methodology (combining primary and secondary data), and details the scope and limitations of the study. It provides background information on the environmental (climate, vegetation, hydrography) and socioeconomic (population, health, education, economy) factors of the Douala area.
Chapter 2: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: This chapter reviews existing literature on urban sprawl, integrated coastal management (ICM), and the importance of coastal areas. It explores various definitions and causes of urban sprawl, highlighting the challenges of defining the term precisely and the complexities of its impact on ecosystems. It examines the history and principles of ICM as a management approach. The chapter also lays out relevant theoretical frameworks, such as bid-rent theory, concentric zone theory, sector model, multiple nuclei theory, and the DPSIR framework, which are used to analyze the spatial patterns and socioeconomic implications of urban sprawl.
Chapter 3: Circumscribing Urban Sprawl in Douala-Cameroon: This chapter analyzes the forms of urban sprawl in Douala, categorizing them as low-density sprawl, leapfrog development, and ribbon sprawl. It examines the causes of sprawl across three periods: pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial, highlighting the role of economic factors, government policies, and population growth. The chapter details the socioeconomic (health, education) and environmental (freshwater resources, seawater resources, mangrove) implications of this sprawl, presenting data and visual evidence of the situation.
Chapter 4: A Recapitulation of Urban Planning Policy and the Analysis of Gaps in Cameroon: This chapter reviews Cameroon's urban planning policies, identifying key stakeholders involved at institutional and municipal levels. It examines the gaps in the implementation of existing policies, such as obsolete master plans, inadequate land-use plans, and weak enforcement mechanisms. The chapter also discusses conflicts between different stakeholders, highlighting land ownership problems and the complexities of customary versus modern land rights.
Chapter 5: Xiamen Integrated Coastal Management: A Hope for Cameroon’s Coastal Management: This chapter presents a case study of Xiamen, China, and its experience with integrated coastal management (ICM). It contrasts the situation before and after ICM implementation, highlighting the success of the program in balancing economic development and environmental protection. This chapter offers recommendations for Cameroon, emphasizing the potential of ICM as a solution to address the challenges faced in Douala.
Keywords
Urban Sprawl, Integrated Coastal Management, Coastal Area, Land Value, Douala-Cameroon, Sustainable Development, Environmental Degradation, Socioeconomic Impacts, Policy Implementation, Cameroon.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Urban Sprawl in Douala, Cameroon
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive language preview of a thesis investigating the socioeconomic and environmental consequences of urban sprawl on the Douala coastline in Cameroon. It analyzes the causes and impacts of this sprawl, examines gaps in Cameroon's urban planning policies, and proposes integrated coastal management (ICM) as a potential solution.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
The key themes include the causes and consequences of urban sprawl in Douala, its impact on coastal communities' socioeconomic conditions and the environment, gaps in Cameroon's urban planning and environmental policies, and the potential of ICM as a solution for sustainable development.
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into six chapters: Chapter 1 provides a general introduction and background information. Chapter 2 reviews relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter 3 analyzes urban sprawl in Douala specifically. Chapter 4 examines Cameroon's urban planning policies and their shortcomings. Chapter 5 presents a case study of Xiamen, China, and its ICM implementation. Chapter 6 concludes with results and discussion.
What are the objectives of the research?
The research aims to identify the driving forces behind urban sprawl in Douala, explore the relationship between sprawl and environmental protection, assess the impact on coastal dwellers' livelihoods, and propose solutions to mitigate negative impacts using ICM as a potential pathway to sustainable development.
What methodologies were used in this research?
The research methodology combines primary and secondary data collection methods. Specific methods are not detailed in this preview, but the preview indicates that the research will likely employ quantitative and qualitative techniques.
What are the key findings presented in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries highlight the significant impacts of urban sprawl in Douala, driven by inadequate policies and bureaucratic inefficiencies. They reveal gaps in Cameroon's urban planning policies and propose ICM as a potential solution based on the successful case study of Xiamen, China. The research considers socioeconomic and environmental impacts, analyzing the situation across different historical periods (pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial).
What theoretical frameworks are used in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes several theoretical frameworks, including bid-rent theory, concentric zone theory, sector model, multiple nuclei theory, and the DPSIR framework, to analyze spatial patterns and socioeconomic implications of urban sprawl.
What is the significance of the Xiamen case study?
The Xiamen case study provides a successful example of integrated coastal management (ICM) that balances economic development and environmental protection. It serves as a model for potential solutions to address the challenges of urban sprawl and coastal degradation in Douala, Cameroon.
What are the key stakeholders involved in urban planning in Cameroon?
The thesis identifies key stakeholders involved in urban planning at both institutional and municipal levels in Cameroon, although specific stakeholders are not listed in this preview.
What are the keywords associated with this thesis?
Keywords include: Urban Sprawl, Integrated Coastal Management, Coastal Area, Land Value, Douala-Cameroon, Sustainable Development, Environmental Degradation, Socioeconomic Impacts, Policy Implementation, Cameroon.
- Quote paper
- Suinyuy Derrick Ngoran (Author), Prof. Xue XiongZhi (Author), 2013, The Socioeconomic and Environmental Implications of Urban Sprawl on the Coastline of Douala-Cameroon. Options for Integrated Coastal Management, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/269019
