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PAN AFRICA N INSTITUTE FOR DEVELOPMENT –

WEST AFRICA (PAID-WA) P.O BOX 133, BUEA, CAMEROON

A Research Case Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Award of a Diploma in Development Studies (DDS)

Presented By:

NDZI WILSON TANTO CAMEROONIAN

2009/2010

THEME: MILLENIUM DEVELOPMEN GOALS (MDGs). GLOBAL INITIATIVE, LOCAL ACTION

TOPIC:

NGOS/GOVERNMENT STRATEGIES IN PROVISION OF SUSTAINABLE POTABLE

WATER IN NKAMBE

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ABSTRACT

With the strategic location of Nkambe in the savanna zone of the country it has faced

serious problems as regards obtaining potable water. Despite its strategic location and

coupled with other aspects such as desertification, climate change and mismanagement of

natural resources, the water crisis faced in this region is fast taking the pattern of those in

the neighbouring northern desert regions of Cameroon. In the dry season when

dependence for domestic water is mainly on streams and springs, people especially

children trek for very long distances, at times reaching kilometers to fetch water. With the

only pipe borne water supplier (CDE) being expensive for the poor to afford and most of

all cannot supply the few subscribers; it is a last option for the people.

According to Target 7C of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), by 2015, the

proportion of people without access to drinking water and basic sanitation will be halved.

In Nkambe, Non- Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the government have strived

towards providing potable drinking water for the community who face acute shortage of

portable water. With respect to our main objective which is to examine the processes and

mechanisms used by NGOs and government institutions to improve water quality and

quantity, we had to first identify the various institutions involved in the process. Various

NGOs both community-based and international have and are attempting various

strategies. Some strategies put in place include the digging wells that can supply water to

a proportion of the community, where due to its cost is unaffordable by the villagers.

Tree planting has been used by many organizations as a means to manage ant restore

back their natural environment, thus conserving it. Radio talks and training has also been

carried out by other bodies, with most of the secondary schools creating environmental

clubs. Reduction in subscription fees for pipe borne water and nursing of ornamental

trees has been the strategy of many other concerned organizations and stakeholders.

This study concludes that the perception of the people about nature and water is

responsible for water shortages, given activities like farming on marginal lands and the

planting of eucalyptus trees close to streams and catchment areas still persist.

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NGOs and government institutions have done a lot and are still doing much to address

this problem by providing potable water and to a lesser extent, minimizing the root-cause

of the problem

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

NGO Non Governmental Organization

CDE Cameroonaise Des Eau

DMCR Donga-Mantung Community Radio

SAIWI Students Association for International Water Issues

MINFOF Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife

MINEP Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection

MINEE Ministry of Water and Energy

SYFA Safe Your Future Association

SHUMAS Strategic Humanitarian Services

CAMWATER Cameroon Water

NHYES Nkambe Highland Youths for Environmental Sustainability

YDETPA Youth Developmental Training and Protection Association

SIRDEP Society for Initiative in Rural Development and Environmental

Protection

CIG Common Initiative Group

NKACUDA Nkambe Cultural and Development Association

GPOBA Global Partnership for Social Aid

GP-DERUDEP Grassfield Participatory and Decentralized Rural Development

Project

WWOOF World Wide Opportunity on Organic Farms

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

COVER PAGE…………………………………………………………………………….i

ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………...….ii

LIST OF

ABBREVIATIONS…………………………………………………………….iii

TABLE OF

CONTENTS………………………………………………………………….iv

CHAPTER ONE GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….1

1.2 Problem statement………………………..…………………………………………2

1.3 Research objectives…………….……………………………………………………2

1.4 Methodology...…………………...…………………………………………………..3

1.4.1 Primary data………..…………………………………...…………………….…..3

1.4.2 Secondary data………………………………………………………………....…4

1.5 Limitations……………………………………………………………………..…….4

CHAPTER TWO LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction…………………………………………………………………….…….5

2.2 Decline in water quality………………..……………………………………….……5

2.3 NGO/government participation………………………………………………...…….7

CHAPTER THREE BACKGROUNG INFORMATION OF STUDY AREA

3.1 Introduction………………………………………………………………………….9

3.2 Physical characteristics…………..…………………………….……………………9

3.2.1 Location of study area...……………………………………………….…………9

3.2.2 Climate……………………………………………………………………………9

3.2.3 Hydrology……………………………………………………………………….10

3.2.4 Vegetation……………………………………………………………………….10

3.2.5 Soils and geology………..………………………………………………………10

3.3 Human characteristics….....…………………………………………..……………10

3.3.1 Population……………………………………………………..……….………..10

3.3.2 Economy…………………………………………………………………………11

3.3.3 Institutional structure….………………………………………...……………….11

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CHAPTER FOUR PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Introduction…………………….……………………………….………….……..12

4.2 Causes of water inadequacy and shortages....…………………….………...……..12

4.2.1 Population pressure………………………………………………………..…….12

4.2.2 Uncontrolled planting of eucalyptus trees………………………………….……13

4.2.3 Farming and grazing on marginal lands...…………………………………..……14

4.2.4 Global warming/ desertification……………………………………..……….….15

4.2.5 Bushfires….………………………………………………………………….…..15

4.2.6 Electricity failures……………………………………………………………..…15

4.3 Effects of water inadequacy and shortages on the community.………………….16

4.3.1 Reduction in domestic consumption…….……………………………………….16

4.3.2 Reduction in agricultural productivity………………………………..………….16

4.3.3 Impediment to development…………………..………………………..………..16

4.4 Water resource protection/improvement agencies and their strategies....................17

4.4.1 Government strategies………………………………………………………...…18

4.4.2 NGO strategies…………………………………….…………………………..…19

4.4.3 Strategies by the Nkambe Rural Council…….…………………….…………….21

4.4.4 Strategies by the community……...………………………………..……………22

4.5 Difficulties faced by agencies.………………………………………..…………...22

CHAPTER FIVE CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 conclusion……………………………………….………………….……………….24

5.2 recommendations…………………………………………………..………………..24

PLATES…………………………………………………….……………………………26

REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………………..30

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CHAPTER ONE

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Water scarcity has emerged as a prominent issue for communities across Cameroon

and the globe as a whole. In fact, one of the most critical natural resource issues facing

communities today is managing the supplies and availability of water. In Cameroon in

general and Nkambe in particular, coupled with the fast encroaching desert conditions

from the north, water quality and quantity has rapidly reduced. Water supplies have

decreased due to many reasons such as; “upstream drying, decline of ground water levels,

and increase in drought conditions caused by climate change” (Arnold, 2009; pp810-

811).

Amongst the challenges currently facing Africa, perhaps none is more important and

pressing, nor more often overlooked than the threat to the continents supply of clean,

fresh water. In immediate practical terms, the water problem in Africa is a problem of

management.

With a range of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Cameroon, the

activities of some are geared towards environmental protection. In Nkambe, a series of

NGOs have worked in the region towards improving on the water quality and quantity.

Some NGOs such as Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS), Society for Initiative

in Rural Development and Environmental Protection (SIRDEP), Save Your Future

Association (SYFA), Youths Developmental Training and Protection Association

(YDETPA), Nkambe Highland Youths for Environmental Sustainability (NHYES) are

working in the provision of sustainable potable water. The Cameroon government

through Cameroon Water (CAMWATER), Ministry of Water and Energy (MINEE),

Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), Ministry of Environment and Protection of

Nature (MINEP) and GP-DERUDEP also play a role. The Nkambe Rural Council,

which can be considered as the local government of the people of Nkambe is a major

actor in the development processes of the area, including providing water for the

community.

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1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Water shortage in Nkambe is very visible in the community. People trek for long

distances to fetch for water mostly for domestic consumption. In a place where gardening

is very scarce as a result of shortage in water availability, the agricultural output of the

people is very little or absent in the dry season (November-march). Even with the

presence of an electric water pump device, it cannot regularly supply the few people in

Nkambe who can afford pipe-borne water.

Various organizations have been trying to step-up the water situation in Nkambe.

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), which are a part of the society of Nkambe,

are one of the various organizations involved. NGOs such as Strategic Humanitarian

Services (SHUMAS), Save Your Future Association (SYFA) and many others have been

putting up strategies such as constructing wells and planting trees in the community.

None-the-less, the water crisis is still severely felt presently in the community.

Government actions through the Ministry of Water and Energy, Ministry of Environment

and Nature Protection, and Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife, accepts this crisis and are

also playing roles with respect to their objectives to combat this crisis.

Other organizations such as the Nkambe Rural Council and Common Initiative

Groups (CIGs) are also participating in the process. All these organizations have their

strategies they use in fighting this crisis.

To some extent, it seems the attempts being put in place are not having immediate

and or massive impacts on the crisis. In this case, the strategies put in place ought to be

examined so as to understand their validity and as well, the atmosphere set for the

strategies such as the participation from the community or encouragement and funds from

the government to the independently operating organizations such as NGOs.

1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are:

� To identify the causes and consequences of water shortages in Nkambe.

� To investigate the role of the various actors in the provision of potable water.

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� To examine the processes and the mechanisms used by NGO’s/Government in

improving water quality and quantity.

1.4 METHODOLOGY

This study is based on two types of data:- primary and secondary data. These

types of data all entailed their various collection techniques, which will be discussed

under the following sub headings

1.4.1 PRIMARY DATA

Primary data are those that we collected in the study area. We used three major

techniques in collecting these primary data which are;

� Interviews were used as a technique in collecting data from the target

population. We targeted key informants with these techniques such as the

present and ex-presidents of the various developmental organizations, the

people who were in charge of cutting trees in 1996, and some quarter

heads. Most important were the presidents of the Non-Governmental

Organizations (NGOs), the Lord Mayor of the Nkambe Rural Council,

Divisional Delegates at the Ministries of Water and Energy, Forestry and

Wildlife, Environment and Nature Protection. This technique was quite

important because through discussions, we could really understand the

strategies put in the community to fight the crisis and most important, the

problems faced and improvements if attained.

� We also employed questionnaires, which was applied for every

organization and body involved in the fight for potable water provision in

Nkambe. These questionnaires were administered most often together with

short interviews by the researcher so as to get a full knowledge of the

crisis and strategies put in place. Questionnaires were carried out with the

following organizations and bodies YDETPA, SYFA, NHYES,

SHUMAS, NKACUDA, NRC, MINEE, MINEP MINFOF, and the “Love

Your Neighbor” CIG. These two particular techniques were used because

they could lead us directly to the organizations, bodies and people

involved in the development process. This helped to understand clearly

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what they said and to handle every aspect as demanded by the checklist,

especially for the interviews.

� Another important technique used was observation, which was

accompanied by snap shots of every visual aspect. This could give us a

glimpse of what is happening. All these three tools were highly important,

well executed and thus brought out interesting results.

1.4.2 SECONDARY DATA

Secondary data was another source of information for this research, which

entailed reading already published works related to our topic. These already published

works involved materials such as World Bank reports, text books, symposiums and

articles. These were very relevant sources of data as it dealt much on our subject matter.

These materials were gotten from the Pan African Institute for Development-West Africa

(PAID-WA) library in Buea, and personal book collections. Also important was the

internet which gave us access to much material through Google and Internet explorer to

search articles related to our research topic.

1.5 LIMITATION

The main limitation we faced was to reach all the NGOs as some of them were in

Nkambe and others in Bamenda. This made coherence very difficult. Also, the

rough terrains in the region were another limitation, accessing all areas.

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CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

Much has been said on water crisis management around the globe. With

the depletion of fresh water, which provide for domestic use, agricultural practices and as

such most developmental aspects are impeded. The rate at which the reduction in

availability of this resource is affecting Africa is a course for concern. Much has been

written on the methods used by various governments and development actors to improve

the situation. Some of these will be discussed below.

2.2 DECLINES IN WATER QUANTITY

According to Arnold (2009) whose studies was base in United States, water supplies

have decreased due to the drying-up of streams, the decline of ground water levels

because of over pumping, contamination of water resources, and an increase in drought

conditions caused by climate change. This can be quite true as concerns the first point (up

streams drying) which is quite evident in Africa as a whole and Nkambe in particular.

Tata (2008) asserted that the planting of eucalyptus extensively and indiscriminately in

some countries of the world and Nkambe highlands in particular is a controversial issue.

Backing up by saying the quantity of water usually discharged by various streams and

springs in the Nkambe highlands have greatly reduced. The discharged rate of the Chua-

Chua stream which is the main supply of water for the Nkambe community dropped from

30m3/hr in 1986 to about 5m3/hr (Amawa, 1999). He attributed this situation to the

nature of land used around the water sources and watersheds which are essentially

dominated by eucalyptus plantation and to lesser extend farming, grazing, deforestation

and unplanned settlement.

Ndzi (2008) pointed out that, one of the greatest consequences of watersheds

degradation was the destruction of the natural vegetation. He said that most montane and

as well as natural forest with their luxuriant vegetation have the capacity to shade the soil

from loosing much water. Also, the roots of the vegetation cover make the soil more

permeable to peculating water thus reducing immediate run-off during down pours.

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Global warming which is the gradual increase of the earth’s temperature is another

view strongly held by other scholars as a cause for water shortage. As temperatures

increase globally, the amount of water being lost to the atmosphere through evaporation

and transpiration also increases as to saturate the atmospheric humidity. This has affected

most especially the Sub-Saharan Africa (Northern and Far North regions, Adamawa and

North West region of Cameroon in particular) with the encroachment of the Sahara desert

which is located in the Sahel.

According to Glennon (2002), water table levels are dropping across the United

States as ground water recharge is exceeded by groundwater pumping. The continued use

of groundwater is increasing its depletion, which has severe impact for the communities.

He noted that as groundwater is low, deeper wells are often required; where water from

deeper levels frequently contain natural occurring minerals that cause high pollution.

Also, over pumping of these deeper level wells can cause land subsidence in which the

land actually cracks and drops.

Glennon (2005) also argued that the greatest effects of the over pumping can cause

water resources to dry up and riparian habitats to die. With insufficient recharge of

groundwater supplies, in streams flow volumes and rates decreases (in stream flow is the

water flow into stream channel). This in turn can have dramatic impact on the natural

ecosystem where the minimum in stream flow is crucial for sustaining and protecting

aquatic habitats and species, with this alteration, changes can occur in the physical,

chemical and biological conditions and functions of natural fresh water ecosystem. With

this, the health of the riparian wildlife and vegetation are impacted as well.

Donkor and Yilma (1998) attributed over grazing by cattle beyond carrying capacity

and shifting cultivation by increasing encroachment in marginal lands on low rainfall and

drought prone areas to continuously undermining their already fragile ecological balance

thus environmental degradation. Africa’s semi arid lands have come under pressure of

people and livestock at a rate considerably faster than the more fertile areas, thus

conditions of hunger and even famine are increasingly becoming evident in these areas.

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2.3 NGO/GOVERNMENT PARTICIPATION

In a World Bank symposium (1993), various options for development of water

systems in the Gangetic basin were exposed. Due to the rugged-steep slope nature of the

landscape coupled with the poor status of the inhabitants, providing water for irrigating

their fertile lands were viewed as the major step to boost the financial status in this

regions.

They used shallow tube wells, dug wells and Rower pumps to get water from the

ground in which most of these methods were successful. This is accredited to the papers

presented at the World Bank colloquium on ground water irrigation, held April 12-14,

1989 in Washington DC.

Donkor and Yilma (1998) pointed out that “the role for water resource development

rest with the government”. They went forward to add that, “Experience shows that in

many African countries, the financial managerial and technical capability is unable to

support accelerated development of integrated water resources in the multi-sectoral

activities. It is also noted that water activities are implemented in partnership with

external support agencies including United Nation specialized agencies like Food and

Agricultural Organization(FAO), World Meteorological Organization(WMO), United

Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO),United Nation

Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)…… the donor community

and financing bodies like United Nations Development Program (UNDP), World Bank

(WB) and African Development Bank (ADB)”.

This can be quite visible as most water enhancement schemes are usually the task of

either small or big NGOs or the community in Cameroon. Many NGOs do exist across

the country and as mush do a lot of jobs such as the SHUMAS, WB and ADB.

African NGOs during a United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development

contributed that some of the major constraints faced in carrying out their activities are

that “Africa still has relatively weak capacity in Environmental Legislative Policy;

especially in the areas of enforcement of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

Laws…….Improvement in this sector would enhance protection of water resources”.

They added amongst other points that, “the lack of inter-sector planning that integrates

actions between areas such as Land Use Planning, water resource management and

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involvement of the local communities in the processes” is a wide known constraint in the

management and coordination of water resources in Africa. They recommended the

governments and donor institutions should provide some form of financial resource to

encourage research on the use of waste water, as well as innovative ways of realizing

optimum water and sanitation schemes.

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CHAPTER THREE

BACKGROUND INFORMATION OF STUDY AREA

3.1 INTRODUCTION

Our research is based in Nkambe, our study area. Nkambe has various

characteristics that can either make it different or alike to other areas. Due to its physical

location and as well its institutional structures, activities and characteristics are bound to

vary from other areas. This topic is aimed at bringing out both the physical and human

characteristics that make the region peculiar and thus affects the activities carried out in

Nkambe. This will be discussed in the following topics divided into two: Physical and

Human characteristics.

3.2 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

3.2.1 LOCATION OF STUDY AREA

Nkambe is located around latitude 6”35’N and longitude 10”40’E of the Greenwich

meridian, located North East (NE) of Bamenda over a distance of 60miles. Situated at

heights around 2000m above sea level, and in the Adamawa plateau, it consists of very

rugged undulating land of hills and valleys. They land surface is a plateau on its own as

all neighboring villages are found at heights lower than that of Nkambe, and is found in

the grassland area of Cameroon with mostly grasses and shrubs and fewer trees.

3.2.2 CLIMATE

“The climate of Nkambe is characterized by a short dry season of about four

months (November-February) and a wet or rainy season of about eight months (March-

October) with the month of February and August being the hottest and the coldest

respectively. The mean annual temperature ranges between 15ºC-28ºC. However,

temperatures are as low as 10ºC and as high as 30ºC are also experienced may be due to

the phenomenon of global warming. Rainfall is generally high ranging from 1300mm per

annum to about 2000mm” (Ngankfumbe, 1989). The combination of attitude,

temperature and rainfall variation gives rise to distinctive climatic conditions ranging

from cool, misty and wet to warm and wet.

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3.2.3 HYDROLOGY

Nkambe is drained by two main streams, which flows north and discharges into

the Nkambe lowlands. One of the two main rivers is harnessed by the rain water which is

supplied to the inhabitants of Nkambe. Since the place is a plateau, lakes and inland

waters are absent in Nkambe central as much of the water is lost through run-offs down

stream. Also, as a result of the vegetation type, the hydrology of Nkambe is affected

negatively.

3.2.4 VEGETATION

Nkambe plateau is situated in the Sudan savanna zone of the world. Its vegetation is

modified by rainfall and altitude but more especially by the latter. The area is a grassland

region with spotted trees mostly around the valleys and up hill. Some of these valley

vegetations are the raffia palm which is mostly used to pull water. However, “it is

exceptional that derived savanna forest and montane forest do exist. These are remnants

of typical highlands forest and lowlands in which species of economic importance such

as Khaha, chlorophora, Acacia, Mahogany and many others do exist” (Ndzi, 2008).

Very visible these days are the afforestation of species such as eucalyptus trees and

cypress trees in the region to make the surrounding greener and for income generation.

3.2.5 SOILS AND GEOLOGY

Most of the soils of Nkambe are lateritic. This plateau region is a massive block of

granite that has decomposed. It has been said that the geology here was put in place by

volcanism that created a new morpho-structural units which later undergone widespread

ferralisation and laterisation (Lambi 1990; Amawa, 1999).

3.3 HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS

3.3.1 POPULATION

The population of Nkambe as of the 1987 national population census was 15,133

inhabitants, with an annual increase of 3%. It was postulated that, by the year 2000, the

population must have reached 30,100. With the results of the last population census still

not released, it is quite evident that the population might have doubled. This is with

respect to the various new institutions such as schools, offices, the military barrack and

with the increase in the market economy of the place. With this increase in population,

the land area remains the same meaning there is a high population pressure.

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3.3.2 ECONOMY

The economy of Nkambe is based mainly on agriculture. More than 70% of the

total population depends on agriculture for income, mainly cultivating food crops such as

corn, beans and potatoes. Another leading sector is animal farming mainly cattle. The

economy is booming as people from places such as Bamenda, Kumbo and Nigeria buy

here because it is cheaper. This has largely improved the economy of Nkambe, which

pulls most people from neighboring villages into Nkambe to look for a market for their

goods.

3.3.3 INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE

Nkambe as any other place has its institutional structure for governing the people

and executing projects and activities. In the case of our topic, the government reacts

through the Ministry of Water and Energy, Ministry of Environment and Nature

Protection, and the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. At times, these institutions are

reached through GP-DERUDEP still by the government. The various government

institutions have their specific objectives and domains of governing. These three

ministries have a common characteristic that they are in charge of natural resources

including water, thus in this case, they come together to share ideas and strategies

deemed best in this case.

Also, NGOs and CIGs are vital organizations of the institutional profile of

Nkambe. They work in collaboration with the government of Cameroon through the

ministries and GP-DERUDEP. These institutions have their own constitutions and design

their financial activities by themselves. They mostly get funds from bigger NGOs or any

other source of aid or sponsorship. These NGOs often coordinate their activities without

control from the government but actually in close collaboration with the ministries to

attain common goals.

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CHAPTER FOUR

PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

4.1 INTRODUCTION

From the interviews, visual observations and other methods used in gathering

information, much was learnt about the study area (Nkambe). It was clearly stated that

there exist a severe water crises in the region that is felt by every person in the

community.

Streams have dried up, where severity is reached in the four-five months period of

the dry season. The major stream (Chua-Chua) which is a collection of other streams

(usually referred to as Magha, Bontor, and Chua-chua) is the main source of water for

much of the Nkambe community. This stream which is harnessed for supplies into homes

has faced a dramatic drop of flow over the recent years. According to Amawa (1999), the

discharge of this main stream dropped from 30m3/hr in1986 to a record low discharge

rate of 5m3/hr in 1999. It is obvious that in recent years, the situation has worsened.

All the same, this is not the original and only cause of water shortage in Nkambe.

This comes as a result of some strong factors that push the natural environment and

resources to the limit.

4.2 CAUSES OF WATER INEQUALITY AND SHORTAGES

4.2.1 POPULATION PRESSURE

The population of Nkambe has been on the rise. According to the 1987 National

census of Cameroon, the population of Nkambe town was 15,133 inhabitants, projected

to reach 21415 and 30,036 inhabitants in 1995 and 2000 respectively. This was a 3% rise

every year. While still awaiting the results of the resent population census of 2006, it is

evident that the population of Nkambe has risen more than was expected. This is because

of the changes that have accompanied over the years such as the opening of the 62nd

Army battalion camp in Nkambe, hospitals and schools which have attracted a lot of

population into the area. Without specific figures, it seems that the population pressure on

the environment is enormous.

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4.2.2 UNCONTROLED PLANTING OF EUCALYPTUS TREES

Eucalyptus trees which are of Australian origin were introduced in Nkambe in the

1950’s by the British. According to a survey conducted by Tata (2008) in collaboration

with MINFOF Nkambe, eucalyptus plantations cover an approximate area of about 500

hectares. They plotted the proportion of surface area covered by eucalyptus in Nkambe

highlands (in general) in relation to other trees species and came out with the pie chart

below;

45%

18%

11%

8%

7%

6%5%

Eucalyptus

Kolanuts

Cypress

Pear

Orange

Pygeum

Mangoes

Fig 1: proportion of forest land covered by different species. Source: J.T. Nfor

(2008)

According to Amawa (1999), more than 500,000 eucalyptus trees had been

planted in Magha, Bonto, and Chua-Chua confluence. This is a clear indication that with

respect to the high transpiration rate and deep root systems, these trees are a major cause

of streams drying up .This ties with the fact that, according to the MINFOF Nkambe,

eucalyptus are planted in the valleys than the hill tops.

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62%

34%

4%

valleys

hill tops

hill slopes

Fig 2: Physical location of Eucalyptus trees. Source: J.T.Nfor/MINFOF Nkambe

(2008)

With increase in population, the satisfaction of daily need of eucalyptus products for

constructions, fuel wood, electric pools and others, has also increased drastically. These

demands have led to the increase in plantation sizes and numbers thus encroaching into

marginal areas such as the catchment areas thus excess consumption of the water around.

4.2.3 FARMING AND GRAZING ON MARGINAL LANDS

Farming and grazing could be seen as a main influence on the drying- up of

streams. Due to the increase in population, the number of mouths to be fed has increased

(demands) which pushes the local farmers to move downstream for wetter and fertile

soils (as shown in Plate 1). This is a destructive process because it exposes the soils to

excess evaporation and degrading the watersheds. This has also been accomplished by

the burning of trees and grasses around and on the farms, due to their indigenous

knowledge that the process improves upon the fertility of the soil.

Grazing too which has been affected by global warming through excess drying up

especially in the dry season has much to do with destroying the watersheds, thus water

shortages. To meet up the high population demands on beef and products, the herdsmen

are bound to take their cattle right downstream during these harsh conditions. The rearing

rate of cattle has increased over the years to meet demands. This has quite massive effects

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on the soils as the hampering and eating of grass does expose the soils to excess

evaporation thus reducing water discharged into streams, same as with farming.

4.2.4 GLOBAL WARMING / DESERTIFICATION

Phenomenon such as global warming, climate change and desertification are not

new across the globe. Global warming (a situation where temperatures across the earth

are increasing) with its effects on desertification is quite evident in the Nkambe-savanna

region. This region is close to the deserts of Cameroon. With the encroachment of the

deserts south, this region is next to being hit. In fact, it is already visible around as the

grassland are gradually disappearing, as well as the forests. This continuous increase in

temperature means much water is evaporated and transpired in a shorter time and much

faster than before. As soils loose water to the atmosphere instead of discharging into

streams, so does the amount for harnessing and use reduces.

4.2.5 BUSHFIRES

Both naturally occurring bushfires (which are rare in this area) and those sparked

by human activities are a serious threat. Bushfires burn the natural green vegetation (as

shown in Plate 2) which protects the soil from loosing water through evaporation, thus

reducing their water holding capacity. This act is both carried out by farmers, cattle

rearers, hunters and grass cutters who either want early regeneration or dry ones for

roofing houses and hurts.

4.2.6 ELECTRICITY FAILURES

Nkambe is noted for its rampant electricity failures. Though a very minute role, as

well, it affects the provision of water into households as the CDE says. Since their

pumping system uses electricity to supply water to their customers, constant electricity

failures make the pumping of water to the storage tank difficult or impossible. With

respect to the fact that water cannot be pumped into the storage tank, then it cannot be

supplied to customers.

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4.3 EFFECTS OF WATER INEQUALITY ANDSHORTAGES ON THE

COMMUNITY

Water which is a very vital component for life is not available in sufficient quantity

and quality for the people of Nkambe. This is not a situation of want but need (water).

Water is used for various functions, with some being affected or hindered in Nkambe.

Water shortages have a lot of effects on the community which can be seen in different

ways; which are discussed in the following sub headings.

4.3.1 REDUCTION IN DOMESTIC USE OF WATER

With streams drying-up, which is the only source of water in the Nkambe

community during the dry seasons, there is bound to be shortages and scramble. Most

streams even some of the main streams such as the Magha, Bontor-Chua-Chua do dry up.

People crowd to fetch water in emerging springs in valleys. Some of these springs appear

above the water table which is not good for drinking. At times, disease occurrences in

Nkambe such as typhoid and meningitis are attributed to the consumption of bad water.

The pipe-borne water usually in the dry seasons flows only for two hours in two days as

most informants testify, which is as a result of small water in the tank to be pumped-out

to consumers. Most often, people are forced to move to springs not only to fetch water

but also to carry out laundry of both dresses and dishes as Plate 3 illustrates.

4.3.2 REDUCTION IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY

Water shortage highly affects agricultural productivity in Nkambe as in any

region of in the world. During the dry seasons, market gardening is completely brought to

a halt. Valleys dry-up and the taps run dry; thus the little that can be gotten is preserved

for household consumption, especially for drinking. Spare water is scarce in this period

for gardening except in the catchment areas and the stream banks.

Animals or cattle rearers do face problems too uphill as the places are too hot and

dry, as well as the grass. They are usually forced to move downhill to the streams and

catchment areas to get fresh grass and water for their cattle as well as to cool down. In

this case, the cattle deposit their dung in the streams and springs which pollute the water

22

and causes diseases in the community. This seriously affects the economy of the region

negatively especially during the dry seasons.

4.3.3 IMPEDIMENT TO DEVELOPMENT

Development in Nkambe is largely impeded as a result of water shortage and

scarcity. Molding blocks or bricks for constructing buildings demands water. This might

entail doing it in different areas and transporting to the construction site which is

extremely expensive. Also, constructing large complexes such as hotels, malls and

hospitals will demand the use of much water (not only for construction, but for

consumers as well) which is the one thing in great shortage in this region. The

agricultural sector as well is included in this as it brings a great deal of development.

Large investments in plantation agriculture cannot be carried out in this place as watering

the plants during the dry season will be near impossible except with the help of a new

strategy.

4.4 WATER RESOURCE PROTECTION/IMPROVEMENT AGENCIES AND

THEIR STRATEGIES IN NKAMBE

Protecting and improving upon the water resources in Nkambe has been seen by

many agencies as vital. Various means have been taken in accordance to the water

shortages and crisis. Some reactions are slow while others are fast reacting, some short-

term while others long-term. The government of Cameroon through ministries such as

MINEE, MINFOF and MINEP play vital roles in limiting the dangers of this crisis.

NGOs of all types also take part in this process. The NGOs that have been the most active

in this sector work either as community based NGOs or as national and multinational

NGOs.

Not excluding, the Nkambe council as well as the community of Nkambe are also

active. Strategies are being put in place either through Common Initiative Groups (CIGs)

or personally in the protection and improvement of the water resource. The various actors

involved in this process and their strategies are:

⇒ Government

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⇒ NGOs

⇒ Nkambe rural council

⇒ Community.

4.4.1 GOVERNMENT STRATEGIES

The government of Cameroon gets to its people through various means. In the

case of Nkambe water crisis, the government does play a role through related ministries

such as MINEE, MINFOF and MINEP. More so, the government acts through

CAMWATER and GP-DERUDEP.

The government through MINEP as their goals clearly state protects the

environment by supervising activities such as farming areas techniques in the community.

This is done by training farmers on the environmental techniques on farming and as well

waste disposal techniques and how to produce organic manures. Feasibility studies on the

environmental impact of projects especially water project are also carried out by the

government through this ministry. MINEP has gone as far as working with NGOs and

schools on environmental education thus encouraging the creation of environmental clubs

in all secondary schools. Talk shows are also presented over the Donga-Mantung

Community Radio (DMCR) on environmental training and as well present banners with

environmental messages on them. This ministry works in collaboration with other bodies

such as CAMISUD, EMICAM, Union Earth Ndu (UEN), Society for Initiative Rural

Development and Environmental Protection (SIRDEP) and Cameroon Traditional Rulers

Against Climate Change (CAMTRACC) in the execution of its activities.

MINEE does carry out major and minor water supply project studies and after

feasibility studies, applications are sent out for sponsorship and/or funding from both the

government and the international NGOs. Also, all water supply projects are supervised

and controlled by this ministry since they are directly involved.

Through MINFOF, the government plays a vital role by coordinating forestry and

wildlife activities. In collaboration with the rural council, forest plantation (silviculture)

especially the case of the eucalyptus trees are regularized over the division as a whole

and Nkambe town in particular. A major tree cutting project was carried out in 1996 in

collaboration with the council which resulted in the cutting of over 100,000 eucalyptus

24

trees along stream lines and catchment areas. This was in response of the drought that hit

Nkambe that year. More than 7400 trees of 14 species have recently been nursed in this

ministry (as Plate 4 shows), which are meant to be planted in catchment areas. These

trees are more environmentally friendly than the eucalyptus species, some of which are

Pygeum africana, gethropha, mahogany, cypress, palm trees, fruit trees and many others.

These trees are given to NGO’s and schools free for planting on marginal areas, and sold

to individuals so as to balance-up their cost of production.

CAMWATER, a government in collaboration with CDE (Cameroonaise Des Eau,

a private company supplying water in Cameroon), WORLD BANK, who all form an

alliance called GPOBA work in reducing the connection fees for individuals. This

alliance pays about 90% of the total connection fees while the individual involved pays

just 10% of the fee. CAMWATER also through CDE gives assistance in the general

extension of pipelines as well as build new catchment and treatment facilities but non-

the-less, none of these have been done in the community yet since it entails a lot of paper

work, time and patience.

GP-DERUDEP is another organization through which the government gets to the

council, NGOs and ministries as well. Through this organization, the government carries

out specific projects recommended. GP-DERUDEP has worked with YDEPTA, MINEP,

and MINFOF to carry out projects involving specifically the planting of ornamental trees

in the catchment areas which help shade the environment and have the quality of not

absorbing and releasing much water to the atmosphere.

It was realized that most projects which involve building of new water catchment

and treatment facilities have mostly been carried out in neighboring villages around the

division and not in Nkambe town precisely. This does not cancel the fact that Nkambe is

facing a serious water shortage and management crisis.

4.4.2 NGO STRATEGIES

A lot of NGOs have been in the past and present carrying out development

projects in Nkambe town geared towards protecting and improving on the water crisis.

Some of these NGOs are multi-cooperation NGOs such as the HELVETAS and

25

SHUMAS while the others (most of them) are small community based NGOs at the local

levels.

Big corporations such as HELVETAS, SHUMAS, HPI, SIRDEP and GP-

DERUDEP work singly, but most often in collaboration with either the Rural Council or

smaller NGO’s based at the village or divisional level.

SHUMAS and GP-DERUDEP have worked with the Nkambe council in nursing

some ornamental trees to be planted in the stream lines, catchment areas and as well in

the neighborhoods. This project provided a lot of trees to be planted and was done in

collaboration with YDETPA, a small NGO based at the local level. The trees were

planted along the Bontor and Chua-Chua streams and catchment areas. The trees included

fruit trees, pygeum (prunus africana), raffia palms and many others. In 2008 still,

YDETPA, which is one of the first local NGOs to exist in Nkambe, also nursed some

3000 trees of different species in collaboration with SHUMAS. These trees were planted

in other streams around Nkambe. YDETPA also trains youths and students in various

secondary schools in Nkambe and has a student’s environmental club.

Another active NGO in the area is SYFA. This is a local NGO but has done the

most impressive works than any other agency. SYFA works in close collaboration with

other bodies such as Students Association for International Water Issues (SAIWI), Brown

University (USA), World Wide Opportunity on Organic Farms (WWOOF), Tahoe Baikal

Institute and SHUMAS. SYFA, in collaboration with SAIWI, dug 3 wells in three

different quarters in Nkambe (two presently operational) which can cost from 1millons-

2millions each depending on who supplies the tools (see Plate 5). Each of these wells

supply free water to approximately 2000 people.

This organization as well takes a leading role in catchment protection. They plant

flowers around catchment areas (see Plate 6) and also have planted around 10,000 trees in

collaboration with GP-DERUDEP. Since its creation in 2001, SYFA has carried out

sensitization activities through radio programs (DMCR), youth clubs and planting sign

boards with relevant messages on them around Nkambe. Though they have never

received any funds from the Nkambe Rural Council, they have volunteer programs that

keep the organization moving.

26

NHYES is another newly created NGO (just two years old) who have worked

with the “LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR”, a women’s social group in Mansoh quarter.

With both financial and material assistance from NKACUDA, they built a water system

in their quarter. This was a low budget project, which entailed building a storage tank and

a normal flow system in a catchment area. This was the initiative of the women’s social

group to rescue the community from the water crisis faced. NHYES which is composed

of youths have environmental programs with various ministries and also do presentations

on public days such as Youth’s day (11th February) and World Environment Day (5th

June) to sensitize and educate the community. They have planted some ornamental trees

around the water catchment area in Mansoh quarter and are in charge of controlling and

managing the system.

Other development associations such as NKACUDA in the process of building a

health center in the Moh quarter provided them with a water point. They also assisted in

building water points at Mangup, Nsah-kup and Ma-nkah quarters, with a major water

point built in the Njema quarter which was in close collaboration with the Arch Diocese

of Kumbo. A feasibility study was done for a water project at Binju as was recommended

by the villagers, but the project of building the water point was difficult because of the

high cost (around 30 millions), which entailed forgoing other projects for a long period of

years. This was so difficult since NKACUDA has a very broad field of work including

every aspect of development in Nkambe, and most of all runs on a very low budget. In

accomplishing their goals, they have worked with agencies such as the British High

Commissioner, German and Canadian NGOs and GP-DERUDEP. NKACUDA also

supports nurseries of ornamental trees. They had supported the nursing of the Vetiver

grass (a cheap and environmentally friendly grass of Indian origin that can grow up to 4m

of height) with a sum of 300,000francs CFA.

4.4.3 STRATEGIES BY THE NKAMBE COUNCIL

Nkambe Rural Council which is in charge of the whole Nkambe central sub-

division with some 16 villages and projects of all sorts does not ignore the water crisis

faced. In fact, Nkambe Rural Council was one of the first organizations to react to this

27

crisis. In 1996 when Nkambe was hit by a major drought, there was a quick reaction from

the council. Around 100,000 eucalyptus trees were cut down that year along the Magha,

Bontor, and Chua-Chua stream lines and catchment areas, and also along other streams

and springs such as Malangong and Chanke. This was a whole new dawn into

environmental protection through reducing water consuming trees. Over the years, the

council has been building water points in other villages but not in Nkambe center. In

collaboration with SHUMAS, GP-DERUDEP and YDETPA, it nursed and planted some

trees along streams in Nkambe. They faced a major problem as many people did not turn-

out for the nursed trees, with most of the trees going to other neighboring municipalities

such as the Ndu municipality. During most or every dry season, eucalyptus trees are cut

to give an average distance of 100m between the last standing tree and the stream or

catchment area. As was revealed by the Council, they are working on a project to build

earth dams upstream to hold water during the rainy season to be released during the dry

season when mostly needed. This project has not yet been launched but is still at the stage

of applying for funds and sponsorship and feasibility studies.

4.4.4 STRATEGIES BY THE COMMUNITY

The community in Nkambe plays a vital role against water management. Mostly,

through the quarter meetings and CIGs the communities try to identify the major causes

and do attempt fixing them. An example is the Mansoh community who started building

their water catchment and was later assisted by NKACUDA. Other such actions have

been taken by the quarters of Mangup, and Ngwayuh who presently have started by

planting trees along their catchment area, and are carrying out feasibility studies to build

water storage and flow system. Various individuals do carry initiative programs by going

more on a GREEN revolution, thus planting more environmentally friendly trees and

flowers, extracting gas from manure. Also, due to the high reliance on fuel wood, some

people are building more environmentally friendly ovens which consume less wood than

the conventional type of cooking system and can be used for multiple purposes.

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4.5 DIFFICULTIES FACED BY AGENCIES

A common difficulty was faced by the development agencies in that; the

involvement and cooperation with the people was very minimal. In the case of planting

trees, very few people turned out for the trees, still they work on protected areas and

catchment areas.

This could also be quite visible along the Magha, Bontor, Chua-Chua streams and

catchment areas. People work farms right into the streams and destroy the ornamental

trees planted to protect the area. In most cases, the issue of burning farms “Ankara” is

still unavoidable in this part of the country. They believe it improves upon the fertility of

the soil. Normal bushfires are still common as well.

More so, people pollute the waters in various ways, with the most frequent and

annoying being the washing of dresses in the streams. This is a very serious case in the

Chua-Chua stream which is the main source of pipe-bourne water in the Nkambe

community; even with the message put by SYFA, people still ignore.

As complained by the Council, people do not want to cut down their trees

(eucalyptus) that are growing near streams and protected areas. In certain cases, people

threaten to sue the Council if their trees are cut. In other cases, villagers fight over

catchment areas and refuse sharing the resources with other communities which affects

developing the region.

The NGOs complained of lack of assistance and funds of large sums from the

Council, Government and donors to carry out massive and well managed projects such as

nursing and planting many environmentally friendly trees in regions where eucalyptus

trees are cut. They say the water crisis problem is that which needs to be handled with

funds, thus care rather than small schemes that are somewhat ineffective as in most

regions.

Some NGOs too face problems of payment after contract works have been done

which makes collaboration very difficult. It was also a hitting point by SYFA that the

community based NGOs through bureaucracy face suppression from the big NGOs who

impose on them and take credit for their work.

It was also noted as a major problem that the approach to this crisis by the

Nkambe Rural Council is critically slow.

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CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 CONCLUSION

Nkambe is plagued by a water crisis. The extent to which it affects the community is

such that it cannot be neglected or handled without precision. No doubt the government

institutions (MINEE, MINFOF, MINEP, and MINEDUC), NGOs, Nkambe Rural

Council and the community are playing a vital role in managing the crisis. With the

intensity of the crisis, the role played by these organizations except for the NGOs is very

minimal indicating other partners don’t see it as a priority problem. Either enough money

is not allocated for managing the crisis by the government or the funds are being

mismanaged.

From data collected, it shows more than 50,000 ornamental trees have been planted

in Nkambe, but these trees are hard to see in these areas. This shows that either the trees

were not catered for, or have been destroyed willingly or not by people farming in these

regions. Very few trees were seen yet people still farm in these prohibited regions. No

legal actions have been taken on these defaulters thus wastage of resources and

encouraging the people never to be involved in this strategic process.

This crisis together with the issue of climate change (global warming) and

desertification, if not paid much attention is going to have very adverse long-term effects

on the community worst than what is presently being experienced. Development is

largely impeded in the community in various ways and as such; hunger is bound in the

almost arid land. With the rate of fall in stream discharge as well as disappearance of

some streams especially in the dry seasons, this place might end up being part of the

Sahara desert.

5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the findings and analysis of issues, various aspects need to be done by the

development actors to improve the water resource protection, provision and management

as recommended below:

30

� The government should create a water resource/land use planning and monitoring

committee which can both oversee and audit all institutions involved such as

MINEE, SYFA, Nkambe Council, CDE, MINFOF and MINEP.

� Environmental education of children right from the basic elementary level is

highly needed so as to place a high priority on environmental protection.

� Laws should be passed to contain defaulters and as well, erect management

organizations through auditing.

� Participation between the Nkambe Rural Council and grass root NGOs is very

vital for progress and reforestation schemes should be big projects with enough

money and man-power to attain goals.

� The community must take the issue seriously and listen to advice and measures to

be taken from the various actors because the Nkambe community is highly at risk.

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PLATES

Plate 1: showing farming on marginal lands

Plate 2: showing effects of bushfires on the vegetation

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Plate 3: shows pollution of water in streams by washing dresses

Plate 4: Nursing of trees at MINFOF

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Plate 5: shows ornamental trees planted in previously occupied eucalyptus land

Plate 6: shows well system dug by SYFA

34

Plate 7: shows revamped dumping ground on marginal lands

Fig 8: showing water point constructed in Mansoh quarter.

35

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