Floods and Landslides Hazard Susceptibility and Planning Implications in the Mifi Division, West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The Mifi Division in the West Region of Cameroon is increasingly exposed to urban environmental hazards, particularly floods and landslides. This study examined the spatial distribution of flood and landslide susceptibility and assessed the implications for urban planning and disaster risk management. A mixed-method approach was adopted, combining questionnaire data from 200 respondents across Bafoussam I, Bafoussam II and Bafoussam III municipalities with field observations, expert interviews and focus group discussions. The analysis also integrated land use and land cover mapping, spatial modelling of flood and landslide susceptibility, descriptive statistics and one-way analysis of variance. The results show that flood and landslide susceptibility are unevenly distributed across the Mifi Division. Flood-prone areas are mainly associated with low-lying depressions, river valleys, wetlands and densely occupied urban zones where drainage systems are limited or obstructed. Bafoussam II records the highest proportion of high flood susceptibility, with 11.4% of its area classified as highly susceptible. Landslide susceptibility is more pronounced on steep and modified slopes, especially in areas affected by vegetation removal, road construction and unplanned settlement expansion. Bafoussam I records the highest proportion of high landslide susceptibility, with 13.0% of its area falling within this class. The findings indicate that rapid urban growth, inadequate land use control, settlement in hazard-prone zones and insufficient enforcement of planning regulations are major contributors to increasing hazard exposure. The study highlights the need for strengthened land use planning, strict enforcement of no-build zones, improved drainage management, targeted relocation from high-risk areas and integrated multi-hazard risk management to support safer urban development in the Mifi Division.