Landscape Degradation Processes and Implications in the Western Highlands of Cameroon

Abstract

Globally landscape degradation has reignited renewed interest on the restoration of degraded landscapes across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Cameroon. The aim of this article is to explore the processes and implications of landscape degradation in the south eastern part of the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Specifically, the paper sought to: (i) determine the triggers and pattern of landscape degradation, and (ii) analyse the socio-ecological effects of landscape degradation. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, involving a survey of 300 households, complemented by 7 focus group discussions and 22 key informant interviews to generate primary data. The data were analysed descriptively (using tables and charts) and inferentially using the binary logistic regression model. The results revealed that  population growth, poor farming methods and the expansion of settlement are the three major factors contributing to landscape degradation in the area. It further shows thatprior to settlement, most of the land was used for farming – this further justifies the fact that (poor) farming methods significantly trigger landscape degradation. Additionally,  landscape degradation has introduced significant effects in the western highlands to include the expensive use of soil additives, soil erosion and soil loss, the loss of soil fertility, among others.  Finally, and informed by the binary logistic regression, population characteristics strongly determine the spatial pattern of landscape degradation in the Western Highlands than topographic traits. This that farmers should be encouraged to engage in organic farming to promote landscape restoration. Furthermore, the practice of slash and burn and ankara should be strongly discouraged amongst farming groups.