The Hydro-geomorphological Implications of Urbanisation in Bamenda, Cameroon

Rapid urbanization and proper urban planning are two variables in the equation of environmental stability. In Bamenda municipality these have been moving in opposite directions. This indicates the lopsidedness in which the problems of urban planning and urban development, masterminded by urbanization have been handled over time. This paper therefore examines the pattern of urbanization and urban development in the Bamenda area, with respect to the implication on the hydrology, geomorphology and sustainable urban space management. The study made use of primary and secondary sources to collect the necessary data. The results show that Bamenda started experiencing a rapid rate of urbanisation and urban development from the 1980s. This forced many people especially the poor to reside in cheap marginal areas which naturally constitute the pathways for catastrophic hydrological and geomorphological phenomena. Although these hazards originate from natural systems and mechanisms, anthropogenic modifications spearheaded by urbanisation have reinforced the frequency and magnitude of certain hazards like floods and landslides. In order to mitigate these hydro-geomorphologic problems, the study recommends the development of an alternative land use system on occupied slopes and flood plains, the creation of levees and the construction of adequate storm drains.