Human Encroachment and Urban Water Supply Sustainability in the Eastern Flank of Mount Cameroon

Abstract

The present study assessed the impact of human invasion of water catchments and the sustainability of water supply in the Eastern Flank of Mount Cameroon. There is growing concern over the future of the world’s water resources due to the astronomical population growth and human invasion of water catchment areas. It considered factors such as housing development, agricultural expansion; infrastructural development compounded by climate variability and relief factors. This study adopted the mixed research design as it combined both qualitative and qualitative research approaches. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Three satellite images of 1993, 2010 and 2023 were downloaded from the United State Geologic Survey (USGS) Earth Explorer and processed of portraying dynamics of human invasion (built-up expansion and agriculture) and implications on water catchments in the study. A total of 185 questionnaires were randomly administered to households living around catchments and 5 key informants were also interviewed. Questionnaire data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science Standard (SPSS version 23.0). Findings revealed that land cover around the catchments is increasingly dominated by agriculture (farmlands, palm plantations, tea estates and market gardening) which increased from 2872.71km in 1990 to 4406.16km in 2023. Also, settlement land increased from 596.95km in 1990 to 4029.70km in 2023 by use to meet the burgeon population. Water catchment yields over the years have increased from 1659840m3 in 2005 to 4643981.03m3 in the year 2023 but with increasing urbanization and variability of temperature and rainfall elements, the catchment areas are rapidly changing with severe human and environmental consequences. Crucially, the study found that continuous human encroachment has drastically reduced natural catchment areas, directly impacting potable water availability, with a significant correlation between land use changes and water yields. This unsustainable trajectory necessitates immediate policy interventions. Despite intervention efforts by communities, government agencies, NGOs, and international agencies—including reforestation, regulation enforcement, and infrastructure repairs to ensure the sustainability of water supply and management—challenges like rapid urbanization, climate change, and inadequate enforcement persist. Therefore, to ensure water sustainability, this study recommends establishing catchment buffer zones, enforcing land use regulations, optimizing water infrastructure, promoting sustainable agriculture and climate resilience, enhancing community engagement, and fostering collaborative resource management. A strategic land use planning policy is essential to reduce the harmful effects of anthropogenic activities around water catchments and ensure efficient water supply.