Drivers of Land Degradation and Ecological Restoration Governance in the Bamboutos Mountains, Cameroon: The Case of the Nduh Nkemlepè River Watershed

Abstract

Land degradation is currently one of the major environmental challenges in mountain ecosystems of sub-Saharan Africa. In the Bamboutos Mountains, the Nduh Nkemlepè River watershed is experiencing increasing pressures associated with the intensification of human activities and the effects of climate change. This study analyses the main drivers of land degradation, the drivers of forest-cover change, and the governance mechanisms related to restoration implemented in the watershed. Data were collected through socioeconomic surveys of households, interviews with institutional stakeholders, and participatory stakeholder analysis. The results show that agriculture (78.4%) and livestock farming (66.0%) constitute the main local economic activities and major drivers of land degradation. Urbanisation (61.9%), agriculture (55.7%), and livestock farming (42.3%) were identified as the main direct drivers of forest-cover change. The governance analysis reveals weaknesses in institutional frameworks despite the existence of relatively favourable policy and legal provisions. Participation and consultation mechanisms remain moderate, while the implementation of restoration activities varies across stakeholder categories. The study recommends strengthening institutional capacities, improving community participation, and establishing sustainable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure the success of ecological restoration initiatives.