The Irony of Flood Risks in African Dryland Environments: Human Security in North Cameroon

Abstract

North Cameroon, though located in an arid environment, ironically also suffers from the serious threat of flooding in the region. This article examines contemporary challenges resulting from frequent flooding in North Cameroon. Using Cutter's "Hazard of Place Model" of vulnerability as the conceptual basis, the article triangulates data from a variety of sources to analyze environmental risks, social and biophysical vulnerability and flood impact, including flood risk management in North Cameroon. The findings reveal that North Cameroon is vulnerable to frequent flooding due to a combination of environmental, socio-economic, and geographic factors further compounded by low organizational resilience to flooding with dire consequences for livelihoods. We argue that, if not handled appropriately, the impact of flooding in North Cameroon risks trapping the population in a permanent and vicious cycle of destitution and poverty. The government urgently needs to review its disaster management policies to be more proactive and strategic in flood management in order to enhance human security and prevent permanent damage to the livelihoods and the micro-economy of the region. Lessons learned from this research, when applied, can help to reduce the vulnerabilities of the poverty-stricken population and enhance resilience to flood risks.

Enhancing local livelihoods resilience and food security in the face of frequent flooding in Africa: A disaster management perspective

“…Findings are also similar to limited studies covering other parts of the country that showed that destruction of homes, crops, livestock loss from flash floods causes production and income loss (Molua, 2012;Balgah et al, 2015;Bang et al, 2017). This adds credence to the generality of the results.…”

“…Northern Cameroon, though located in an arid environment, has been experiencing recurring devastating annual flash floods in the last decade (Bang et al, 2017). The 1999 and 2012 floods compromised the Lagdo and Maga Dams -forcing the release of water from the reservoir and exacerbating the flooding downstream.…”

“…The authors argue that there is considerable "value-added" if the framework accommodates a stronger DM perspective. There is after all, increasing work on Cameroon DM to draw upon (Bang, 2013(Bang, , 2014(Bang, , 2016Bang et al, 2017). By integrating an explicit DM perspective, useful insights are possible on future transforming structures and processes that influence livelihood strategies and outcomes in a food-insecure Cameroon confronted with more frequent flooding.…”

Determinants of Coping Strategies to Floods and Droughts in Multiple Geo-Ecological Zones

“…There are mainly five types of floods: river flood, flash flood, inland flood, storm surge, coastal flood [8,9]. Floods are considered as one of the most frequent global hazards [10]. Floods account for approximately 40% of natural disasters and will possibly become more recurrent and severe due to global warming [11].…”

“…Cameroon's geo-physical location, tectonic history and climate makes her one of the most susceptible countries affected by natural hazards in Africa. The regularity and devastation caused by such hazards along the active Cameroon Volcanic Line (CVL) are becoming more frequent and even more disastrous, affecting livelihood assets including human, social, financial, natural, physical capital [10,16]. The country is becoming more prone to and persistently hit by floods and droughts but also by mud flows, rock fall, lahars, volcanic eruptions, toxic gas emissions, earth tremors and landslides which occur on a regular annual pattern.…”