Land cover change implications on water resources at the local level
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51599/is.2025.09.03.07Keywords:
land cover change, water resources, Mbengwi Municipality, Cameroon, Momo Division.Abstract
Purpose. Changes in land cover affect the distribution, quantity, and quality of water, which in turn affects the hydrological cycle. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of land cover change on water supply at the local level (using the case of Momo Division of the Mbengwi Municipality, Cameroon).
Results. The findings indicate that the land cover composition is mixed, with cropland, human settlements and grassland occupying a significant part of the land cover. Most places have generally acceptable water quality parameters, according to findings on the association between land cover and water quality. Among them, 30.7% have good water quality, and 36.0% have typical water quality conditions. The region has reached a critical environmental threshold, with 52.0% of respondents facing damage to watersheds and 89.3% of respondents suffering from insufficient water yield at high and medium levels. Research on techniques of land use change management reveals that sustaining plant cover maintains maximum effectiveness (84.0%), high effectiveness of cover crops (76.0%), and moderate success in raising resource consumption and production efficiency (54.7%).
Scientific novelty. This is the first study on the local effects of changing land cover on water resources in Mbengwi Municipality, Cameroon. The impact of land cover change on Mbengwi’s water resources is assessed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The study provides unmistakable proof of the primarily negative consequences of the present land cover changes, with urbanisation and agricultural growth contributing the degradation of wetlands and forests, which in turn causes major problems with water resources.
Practical value. Livelihood diversification programs must take into account the main economic factors contributing to environmental degradation and water resource depletion. To reduce reliance on land conversion for economic survival, alternative revenue-generating ventures such as ecotourism, value-added agriculture, and sustainable forest product harvesting should be encouraged.
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