Local Perception of Climate Change and Adaptation in Mangrove Areas of the Cameroon Coast

Abstract

Mangroves supply essential ecosystem services to tropical informal economies. In the Cameroon coastal region, the impacts of various projections on change in temperatures and precipitations sound low compared to the pressure of human activities. This survey evaluated the sensitivity of local population on the impact of climate change and the vulnerability of coastal ecosystems. An investigation carried out on 425 individuals was based on the major income and development activities, the knowledge of the subject, the information sources, the origin of changes, perceptible effects, risks and consequences. More than 90% of interviewees have heard about climate change essentially from radio (20%). Industries (47.53%) are perceived to have major responsibility for temperature (78%) and precipitation (67%) changes and increased inundation (39.07%) was perceived as the highest risk. Compared with Cartesian predictions in the area, the results have shown the sensitivity of population to local variation of climate factors. No efficient endogenous measure has been recorded. Forest and specially mangroves are the most affected ecosystems by local activities. Expected extension of the dry season could affect the natural regeneration and the structure of mangrove forests. Considering the importance of woody species in the local economies, the lack of appropriate actions and adaptation measures will lead to the total degradation of mangroves.