Rainfall Variability, Flood Hazards and Adaptation Strategies in Douala IV and V Municipalities, Littoral Region of Cameroon
Authors: Pohk-seh Aghedse Mizpah , Tiafack Ojuku , Tosam Ngong Hycinth 
Published: November 2024

Excessive rainfall resulting to floods remain a thorny problem in developing countries including Cameroon. This follows the negative impacts of floods on the population, infrastructure and public services. This study examines rainfall variability, population vulnerability to floods and measures put in place by the population and other stakeholders to adapt to the situation in the Douala IV and V municipalities in Littoral Cameroon. The study exploits both primary and secondary sources data for its realization. Heads of households, quarter’s heads, municipal authorities and its personnel, and public administrative officials were contacted for data collection. The data focused on floods manifestation, their effects on the city, and adaptation strategies put in place to mitigate the negative outcomes. Data from semi structured interview conducted were analyzed using content analysis methods. Sociological and spatial data also collected were analyzed using remotely sensed techniques and statistical tools such as SPSS and Microsoft excel. Climatic data were collected from the urban council, the meteorological units in the town and the National Observatory on Climate Change of Cameroon. Sequential analyses (linear trend curves, standard deviations, and cumulative balances) were used to evaluate the evolution of rainfall and correlation to floods events. The result revealed that floods in Douala IV and V result from rainfall variability, characterized by deficit and excessive rains in the months of June, July, August and September. These heavy rains accompanied by human induced factors such as uncontrolled urbanization, anarchy in construction and occupation of wetlands, poor waste management, pollution of water ways and lack of drains for stagnant water evacuation leads to floods. Also, natural drivers such as the low relief of the area, a dense hydrographic network and contact with the Atlantic Ocean via the Wouri estuary result to floods. These floods are a problem to the health of the population, public services and infrastructure and sustainability of the city. Faced with the numerous damages caused by floods, remediation strategies such as: the construction of traditional dikes, solid house foundations, water embankments, and periodic weather forecasting by the National Observatory on Climate Change of Cameroon to reduce the negative outcomes of flooding has been ineffective in reduction of floods outcomes. Consequently, floods still remains a concern in Douala town. Good environmental practices such as civil education on hygiene and sanitation, periodic cleaning of drains, combats on deforestation of mangroves and afforestation campaigns, government investment on decentralization of waste collection and management will be productive in reducing the effects of floods in Douala. The implementation of all these remedial measures will not only ensure the safety of vulnerable civilian populations but the protection of their activities.