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Theme: THE DEGRADATION OF WETLANDS AND ITS SOCIO ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS IN NDOP CENTRAL SUBDIVISION, NORTH WEST PROVINCE CAMEROON

ABSTRACT

Ndop Central Sub-Division is an administrative unit within Ndop flood Plain containing a large expanse of wetlands. Wetlands within this area have experienced degradation manifested in several ways such as the loss of wetland surfaces to dry land, transformation of existing wetlands to other uses which make them lose their wetland characteristics, loss in wetland biodiversity and a general change in the quality and drainage pattern of wetland waters. These changes have been accompanied by negative environmental and socio-economic consequences. Articulated around this plethora of impacts, this research had as principal question the following: “What factors have led to the degradation of wetlands in Ndop Central Subdivision and what are the environmental and socio-economic implications. The principal objective of the study was “analysing wetland degradation in Ndop Central Subdivision and assessing subsequent implications”; meanwhile the principal hypotheses stated that “wetlands have been degraded from Ndop Central Subdivision and this has probably had much negative than positive environmental and socio-economic implications”
     The methodology of the study consisted of consulting secondary sources, direct field observations, diachronic analysis with the aid of aerial photographs and satellite images using GIS software, administration of questionnaires and group discussions. Some first results obtained in this research were carried out with the objective of evaluating the rate at which wetlands are being degraded in the area, as well as identifying factors which account for this degradation.
     In this section of the research, based on the indicators of lost surfaces (change to dry land area) and transformed surfaces (to other uses like infrastructure and farmlands), it was found out that the wetlands of this region were degrading at a fast rate of about 1.17%; with possibilities of complete depletion by 2049. In the same vein the fauna and flora biodiversity has been highly degraded. Before the 1970s, this region contained a dense swamp forest, composed of very huge animals like elephants, hippopotamus etc. Today most of these species have been extinct from the region. Equally an increase in farming activities have led to erosion of lose soil particles which render most water courses highly turbid during periods of intense rainfall.
            Factors accounting for these changes were mainly seen to be anthropogenic in nature and linked to population increase. Extensive rice cultivation, food crop cultivation, transhumance, bush fires and the extensive use of chemical fertilizers were identified as some of the main factors contributing to wetland degradation. These factors continue to exacerbate as the population of this subdivision keeps increasing in tandem with agricultural needs.

Key words: Wetland, degradation, impacts, biodiversity, diachronic analysis.

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