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
1.1.1 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)
4.2 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
Objectives & Research Scope
This thesis examines the socioeconomic and environmental implications of urban sprawl in the coastal city of Douala, Cameroon. The research aims to identify the driving forces of this uncontrolled expansion, evaluate the limitations of existing urban planning policies, and propose Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as a sustainable alternative based on the successful experience of Xiamen, China.
- Analysis of socioeconomic and environmental consequences of urban sprawl on Douala's coast.
- Appraisal of existing urban planning regulations and stakeholder involvement in Cameroon.
- Evaluation of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) as an effective planning model.
- Identification of policy gaps and recommendations for sustainable coastal development.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 General Introduction
Coastal areas are rich in economic, social, natural and political resources, and thus serve as a pull factor to population concentration. The high concentration of people in coastal areas has produced numerous economic benefits, including improved transportation links, industrial and urban development, revenue from tourism, and food production. However, continuous influx of people to these areas have meant that there is a lot of pressure exerted on the limited coastal resources, and therefore, there is need for rational management. Some of the challenges plaguing these coastal areas are: pollution from industrial and domestic wastes, pollution from shipping and oil terminals, sea level rise as a result of climate change, overfishing, deforestation, and more specially unplanned urbanization which has propagated sprawling habitats as standard of living continues to dwindle (FAO, 2012).
Nicholls et al. (2007) points out that rapid population growth, urban sprawl, and growing demand for coastal resorts development have additional deleterious effects on protective coastal ecosystems. The continuous degradation of the coastal areas is more visible in developing countries having limited technology, as compared to the developed world. Not only is there a great disparity in population concentration between the hinterlands and the coastal areas but a greater disparity in an ever increasing urban coastal communities and a continuous decreasing rural population on the same coastal stretch. This changing disparity necessitates enormous potentials both human and physical but it is rather unfortunate that gaps in management coupled with limited resource cannot keep the pace with unprecedented anthropogenic fashioning of the coast. If timely measures are not taken, population pressures and the associated levels of economic activity will further degrade many coastal habitats (Creel, 2004). The challenge for policymakers and coastal resource managers is there to figure out how to balance the economic benefits of coastal resources while ensuring environmental sustainability. Pinpointing anthropogenic hurdles is fundamental to achieving such a balance.
Summary of Chapters
1 General Introduction and Background Information: Introduces the research problem of urban sprawl in Douala, defines the scope, methodology, and provides essential geographical, environmental, and socioeconomic context.
2 Literature Review and Theoretical Framework: Reviews existing theories on urban sprawl and defines key concepts of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) while establishing a framework for analysis.
3 Circumscribing Urban Sprawl in Douala-Cameroon: Examines the specific forms, causes, and impacts of urban sprawl in Douala across pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial periods.
4 A Recapitulation of Urban Planning Policy and the Analysis of Gaps in Cameroon: Identifies stakeholders in urban planning and critically analyzes the institutional and policy failures leading to coastal degradation.
5 Xiamen Integrated Coastal Management: A Hope for Cameroon’s Coastal Management: Contrasts Xiamen's experience before and after implementing ICM and derives lessons for Cameroon.
6 Results and Discussion: Analyzes field data to validate research hypotheses regarding urban planning failures, poverty, and land use.
7 Conclusions and General Recommendations: Summarizes research findings and provides strategic recommendations for implementing sustainable coastal management in Douala.
Keywords
Urban Sprawl, Integrated Coastal Management, Coastal Area, Land Value, Douala-Cameroon, Urban Planning, Sustainability, Environmental Degradation, Land Use, Socioeconomic Impacts, Mangrove Ecosystem, Governance, Coastal Policy, Infrastructure, Public Health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates the socioeconomic and environmental impacts of uncoordinated urban sprawl along the coastline of Douala, Cameroon, and proposes Integrated Coastal Management as a solution.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The work explores urban planning policy, the degradation of mangrove ecosystems, socioeconomic factors like poverty and sanitation, and the application of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM).
What is the main research objective?
To identify the causes of urban sprawl in Douala and evaluate the efficacy of existing urban planning policies to formulate a more sustainable management strategy.
What methodology does the author use?
The study utilizes a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative analysis of policy frameworks and historical development with quantitative data gathered from field surveys and census statistics.
What is covered in the main body of the thesis?
The main chapters cover the historical roots of sprawl in Douala, an analysis of policy gaps in governmental and municipal planning, and a comparative study of the successful ICM implementation in Xiamen, China.
Which keywords best characterize this document?
Urban sprawl, Integrated Coastal Management, coastal zone governance, land use planning, and environmental sustainability in Douala.
Why does the author consider Xiamen, China, a model for Douala?
Xiamen successfully transformed from an environmentally degraded area to a liveable city by implementing ICM, creating autonomous coastal agencies, and enforcing strict land-use zoning, which the author believes offers a template for Douala.
What role does poverty play in Douala’s coastal degradation?
The author argues that poverty acts as a driver for sprawl because vulnerable populations, unable to afford formal housing, settle in high-risk, low-value coastal areas, further damaging the environment through improper waste disposal and mangrove destruction.
- Citar trabajo
- Suinyuy Derrick Ngoran (Autor), Prof. Xue XiongZhi (Autor), 2013, The Socioeconomic and Environmental Implications of Urban Sprawl on the Coastline of Douala-Cameroon. Options for Integrated Coastal Management, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/269019
