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Complexity and uncertainty in water resource governance in Northwest Cameroon: Reconnoitring the challenges and potential of community-based water resource management

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  • Tantoh, Henry Bikwibili
  • Simatele, Danny

Abstract

This paper examines the complexities and uncertainties which exist in water resource management and governance in Northwest Cameroon. Using empirical data collected through participatory research methods with local communities in Ndu, Njinikom and Mbengwi rural districts in Northwest Cameroon, it is shown that management of water resources is challenged by factors such as uncoordinated national development policies, weak institutional frameworks, top-down management approaches to natural resource management, the paternalistic posture of authorities, the inability of water users to promptly and regularly contribute to the operation and maintenance of the water system, as well as the inadequate preservation of watersheds. In contexts like rural Cameroon one of the key ways in which to improve the supply of water for human use, whilst still conserving water resources, is to make it easier for ordinary water users to work with the other stakeholders involved in water management. Clarifying issues of jurisdiction between central and local governments is central to this process of enabling water users to be involved in the management of their own water supplies. Until the full representation and participation of ordinary citizens in policy discussions is achieved, complexity and uncertainty will overshadow the management of water resources.

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  • Tantoh, Henry Bikwibili & Simatele, Danny, 2018. "Complexity and uncertainty in water resource governance in Northwest Cameroon: Reconnoitring the challenges and potential of community-based water resource management," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 237-251.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:75:y:2018:i:c:p:237-251
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.03.044
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    Cited by:

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    3. Chandra Lal Pandey, 2021. "Managing urban water security: challenges and prospects in Nepal," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 23(1), pages 241-257, January.
    4. Devindi Geekiyanage & Terrence Fernando & Kaushal Keraminiyage, 2023. "Modelling Interrelationships of the Factors Impeding Community Engagement in Risk-Sensitive Urban Planning: Evidence from Sri Lanka," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-22, October.
    5. Emmanuel Atiisipae Akolgo & Desmond Tutu Ayentimi, 2020. "Community-level mechanisms and strategies for managing sustainable water supply systems: lessons from Bongo district of northern Ghana," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 3739-3756, April.
    6. Sekamane, Thabang & Nel, W.A.J. & McKay, Tracey J. & Tantoh, Henry Bikwibili, 2023. "Community perceptions of the social impacts of the Metolong Dam and Reservoir in Lesotho," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 125(C).

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