Stakeholder Perception of Global Warming, Rainfall Variability and Sea Level Rise Hazard Perils in Three Coastal Districts of Douala-Cameroon

Abstract

Present day climate change scientist fully embrace the concept of global warming and have repeatedly pointed out that a solution to global warming problem requires studies on climate change education, awareness and proper understanding of causes and impacts. The present study was designed to assess the level of knowledge and awareness of inhabitants of three sub divisions of Douala on the impacts of SLR hazards.

1200 questionnaires were administered to inhabitants of Douala I, IV and V by stratified purposive sampling technique. The Chi square (X²) statistical tests were performed to compare responses to survey questions across sub divisions as well as across demographic groups. The Cramer’s V test (nonparametric correlation) was performed to detect strength of associations of causes and impacts of global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise perception and social determinants. Correlates of perception of global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise and water quality parameters and environmental hazards were also assessed.

Results show that awareness and perception to global warming, yearly variation of rainfall and knowledge of sea level rise were highly significant (p˂0.000) across districts. The Douala V inhabitants (37.8 %) were more aware of global warming and bothered about its impact than Douala IV and I respondents. Douala V respondents perceived that human beings are linked to the causes of global warming, rainfall variability and sea level rise than Douala I and IV. The Douala IV respondents were more knowledgeable in terms of SLR (37 %) than Douala I and V respondents. Impacts of exaggerated heat wave and increase in floods had significant differences across the district (p˂0.000). Sources of water during the rainy season (rivers/streams, wells, rainfall) were highly significant while differences in the use of water resources for domestic purposes across the three districts were also significant. Flooding and tidal effects were perceived to be the most devastating hazards in Douala I, IV and V as they were highly significant (p˂0.000).

Highly significant association (P˂0.01) between the perceived human causes of sea level rise and knowledge of it for Douala I and IV were observed. Rising water tables, inundation, changed colour of water and odour of water as impacts of sea level rise were associated with the taste of water sources. The most devastating hazards were tidal effects and flooding (39 % each) for Douala IV and wave action (44 %) for Douala I.

Awareness and knowledge on causes and impacts of climate change were low. A majority of the respondents perceived the will of God as being responsible to climate change causes and impacts on water resources quality in the study area. There is an urgent need for education of inhabitants on causes and impacts of climate change variables that are implicated on water source quality.

Keywords: Perception and awareness, global warming, rainfall variability, sea level rise hazards,   Douala-Cameroon