Chad-Cameroon Oil Pipeline: The Socioeconomic and Environmental Issues for Local Residents

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the socio-economic and environmental issues of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline. In other words, it is a question of assessing the effects of the pipeline on both the living conditions of the population and the biodiversity of the Atlantic Coastal Zone of Cameroon. To do this, the Contingent Evaluation Method (CEM) is used to determine the willingness to pay (WTP) of the local populations. The collection of data in the study field makes it possible to obtain the opinions of local residents. This collection highlights the preferences expressed by 300 local residents. Most of the effects of pipeline operation are negative for local residents and for the environment in which they live. For instance, most of them have lose their sources of income, resulting from activities related to agriculture, hunting, fishing, and picking. This is caused by the aggression suffered by the natural space. On the other hand, the pipeline seems to have a positive effect on the operating company, which has made huge profits. The results obtained lead us to consider a reflection on effective measures that allow all stakeholders to take part in decision-making that integrate sustainable development Goals SDG-7.