Environmental Degradation and the Emergence of Agricultural Frontiers in the North West of Cameroon

Over the past 50 years, man has changed natural ecosystems more rapidly and profoundly than in any comparable period in history. In the developing countries, these changes have degraded livelihoods, provoking different responses from affected populations, the most common being out-migration. The study examines the environmental degradation on the Mbum sector of the Nkambe plateau, North West region of Cameroon, and the out-migration resulting from it. This is crucial in understanding the anthropogenic threats to farming in an area where agriculture is still rudimentary and crop yields turn to be very sensitive to environmental changes. The nature of environmental degradation and resultant migration were ascertained by analysing data acquired through suitable field and laboratory methods and techniques. Theses analysis revealed that soil impoverishments resulting from inappropriate land uses is the main environmental change on the plateau. The paper recommends the adoption of strong land use policies as a precursor to the modernisation of the farming system to reduce land colonisation, reduce out-migration and stabilise environmental conditions for sustainable agriculture.