THE ROLE OF GRAZING ON LANDSCAPE DEGRADATION IN THE SABGABAMUNKA AREA, CAMEROON
THE ROLE OF GRAZING ON LANDSCAPE DEGRADATION IN THE SABGABAMUNKA AREA, CAMEROON

Summary/Abstract: The Sabga-Bamunka Area is a vivid example of areas in Sub-Saharan Africa where grazing has resulted in conspicuous landscape deterioration. Landscape degradation is quite visible over the globe but the manifestations of degradation on rangelands remains complex and varied from one place to another. This study is therefore carried out to assess the effects of grazing activities on the landscape of the Bamunka-Sabga Area. The methodology that has been adopted in this research is both deductive and inductive. The data used have been obtained from primary sources through field measurements, observations, photographs, and administration of questionnaire, focus group discussions and interviews. The study also made use of topographic map, satellite images, Landsat ETM of study Area. Data was then treated with the use of GIS and Computer Assisted Cartographic soft wares such as QUANTUM GIS, ArcGIS, and ADOBE illustrator. The processed data were then presented in the form of; tables, graphs, histograms and synoptic charts as well as maps. The study reveals that cattle’s rearing is the main triggering force of the landscape degradation processes. This has been seen through the numerous erosional forms, reduction in vegetal cover, and recurrent/ incessant mass-movements. It was equally clearly deduced that the carrying capacity of the area is overstretched resulting in overgrazing, as a result of increasing numbers of herds that graze on the commons. The quest of the growing population to obtain a living as well as improving on the economy of the area has overtasked the environmental resources. The solutions proposed involve strategies to prevent and control landscape degradation. These solutions are sustainable and fall within the ability of the local inhabitants and the economic context of our nation. There is thus the need for concrete environmental management plans that can meet the taste of time in the short, medium and long term for present day Sabga-Bamunka area.

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