Stakeholders’ Perception of the Triggering Mechanisms and Determinants of Flooding in Limbe, South West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

The study investigates stakeholders’ perception of the triggering mechanisms and determinants of flooding episodes in Limbe. Primary data were collected using questionnaires administered in ten (10) study sites. Interviews were conducted, field observation and measurement carried out on the drain sizes, height and duration of flooding. Secondary data were obtained from text books and journals. Data were analysed using qualitative and quantitative methods. Findings revealed that a plethora of triggering mechanisms of flooding were identified and analysed under natural and anthropogenic factors. However, of all these factors, prolonged rainfall and the inadequacy and narrowness of drains were perceived to be the most important triggering mechanisms of flooding in Limbe. The study concluded that flooding is a hazard that has been plaguing the city of Limbe for close to two decades and therefore needs appropriate flood control strategies to be employed to effectively control flooding since it cannot be completely stopped in some parts of Limbe. Since the inadequacy / narrowness of drains was perceived as the most important triggering mechanism of flooding in Limbe, it was recommended that wide drains be constructed in all the flood prone and flood affected areas in the city of Limbe.