Urban Governance and Climate Resilience in Cameroon

Abstract

Context and background: Urbanization and climate change pose significant challenges for cities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in developing countries. Rapid urban population growth, projected to triple by 2050, exacerbates vulnerabilities due to inadequate infrastructure and governance. Reactive urban planning has led to fragmented development and increased exposure to climate-related hazards like flooding and landslides. Cameroon exemplifies these issues, with cities like Douala and Yaoundé facing unplanned settlements in disaster-prone areas. Despite regulatory efforts, the contradiction between urban planning and environmental management persists, highlighting the urgent need for integrated and adaptive strategies. Goal and objectives: This study aims to evaluate urban planning challenges and climate change adaptation strategies in Buea and Limbe, Cameroon. It will analyze the current state of urban planning, identify key challenges, and assess existing adaptation strategies. The goal is to provide policy guidelines to enhance the resilience of these cities against climate change. Methodology : This study examines the interplay between governance structures and climate resilience in Buea and Limbe, Cameroon, focusing on urban planning, environmental management, and the challenges posed by climate change. Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys, observations, and interviews, data were collected from 384 respondents across stratified zones in the study areas. Results : Key findings reveal significant governance challenges, such as inadequate urban planning, bureaucratic inefficiencies, limited local autonomy, and corruption, which exacerbate the vulnerability of these cities to climate-induced risks like floods, landslides, and coastal erosion. The study highlights the critical role of urban planning in enhancing climate resilience and identifies opportunities for improving governance to better address climate risks. Recommendations include strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing coordination mechanisms, and promoting inclusive governance to foster more resilient urban communities. These findings underscore the need for integrated urban planning and governance reforms to mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable coastal and highland cities in Cameroon.

Keywords

• Urban planning
• climate resilience
• coastal areas
• highlands
• governance structures
• climate adaptation