Exploring accessibility and the exploitation of recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon Region
Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi & Delphine Nalowa Tonga
Abstract : Growing human population and the quest for recreation and leisure, has contributed to the search for natural and cultural sites, and linked facilities. This situation holds true for Cameroon, described as “Africa in miniature”. While there is significant interest on the management of natural and cultural sites in the context of eco-cultural tourism, the role of accessibility as a key determinant currently account for a negligible number of studies, especially in Cameroon. We contribute to bridge this knowledge gap, by examining the degree to which the exploitation of recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon region is rooted in accessibility. Data were generated through a survey of 250 households around the Mount Cameroon Region. The frequency of visits to recreational sites was analyzed using the Zonal Travel Cost-Method. Furthermore, the regression analysis conducted suggests the need to improve and diversify access to recreational sites. Based on these, the paper identifies a key future expectation to include the challenge of dealing with pressures linked to the mass influx of people who seek to exploit recreational sites.
Keywords: Accessibility, nature, culture, transport, Cameroon
Résumé : L’accroissement de la population humaine, la quête de loisirs et de détente contribuent à la recherche de sites naturels et culturels et des équipements connexes. Cette situation est vraie pour le Cameroun qui est présenté comme “l’Afrique en miniature”. Alors qu’il existe un intérêt significatif pour la gestion des sites naturels et culturels dans le contexte du tourisme éco-culturel, le rôle de l’accessibilité en tant que déterminant clé fait actuellement l’objet d’un nombre négligeable d’études, en particulier au Cameroun. Nous contribuons à combler ce manque de connaissances, en examinant dans quelle mesure l’exploitation des sites récréatifs dans la région du Mont Cameroun est ancrée dans l’accessibilité. Une enquête a été menée auprès de 250 ménages. La méthode des coûts de déplacement par zone a été utilisée pour calculer la fréquence des visites des sites de loisirs. L’analyse de régression suggère la nécessité d’améliorer et de diversifier l’accès aux sites de loisirs tout en faisant face à la pression liée à un afflux massif est une attente future possible.
Mots clés : Accessibilité, nature, culture, transport, Cameroun
Plan
Introduction
Materials and methods
Study area
Data collection
Data analysis
Results and discussions
Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
Spatial distribution of recreational sites
Accessibility to recreational sites
Discussion
Conclusion
Full TextPDF Format
INTRODUCTION
As the population in a country, region or town increases, the necessity for the improvement of recreational sites in conformity with universally acceptable standards for recreation becomes very important (Great, 2000). The negative concomitants of rapid industrialization and urbanization prompted man to search for recreational environments, especially natural sites, which are more refreshing. This too has been a preoccupation for city governments. Recreation demand did not occur until after the 20th Century, when the industrial revolution started, more people started looking for space to relax. This forced most governments to focus on creating natural sites like parks in larger cities of Lancaster, Allenton and Harrisburg. They believed that creating recreational areas and providing recreation services/activities would fill gaps created by the industrial revolution (Park, 2004).
Recreation and society evolved significantly in the last five decades. The form of leisure focused on reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. However, there is a recent shift towards individual-based, user-pay models, which are facility-focused and demand-oriented (Stanley, 2001). A recreational site refers to reserved places that people visit during their leisure time for recreation (Dianne, 2013). The concept of recreation is about refreshment of the body and or mind through engagement undertaken during one’s leisure time (Mohammad, 2006). Recreational exploitation is linked to the satisfaction derived from the use of a recreational facility, based on attractiveness of the site, facilities available, and availability of information, distance/cost and the type of site (Cowel, 2012). Exploitation of recreational sites demand the sustainable utilization of recreational facilities during leisure time, without compromising the needs of future recreation lovers (Guilienne, 2004). Recreational sites have a magnetic spot that captivates exploiters from all over its attractiveness, services, usage hospitality, infrastructures, pollution and information, beliefs, place attachment, (Adjen and Fishbein 1980). Equally, accessibility shapes the choices of recreation for people.
Accessibility is vital to the live ability of an area, its economic, social and environmental well-being. The ability to obtain goods and services, participate in the workforce, interact with each other and undertake recreational pursuits is highly dependent upon accessibility, however information with regard to accessibility to recreational sites and its potential impact is limited (Susan, 2013). It is defined as the measure of the capacity of a location to be reached by, or reach different locations over space and time. It should be noted that not all areas exhibit equal accessibility – some are more accessible than others are. Governments at rural, urban and country levels all strive to improve accessibility for their inhabitants, including tourists and leisure-seekers. The key elements in determining accessibility include the carrying capacity of a road network, the arrangement of transport infrastructure and its concepts include location and distance (Rodrique, 2017).
In the context of Cameroon, accessibility studies conducted are linked more to urban services. For instance, around the Mount Cameroon region, the degree of accessibility to health services in terms of the road network connectivity was examined using the Beta index (Kimengsi et al., 2015). However, empirical evidence is lacking concerning the role of accessibility in defining the access, and use of natural and cultural sites. Accessibility in this study area refers to the extent to which the recreational sites can be exploited, defined based on distance, cost/ affordability (frequency of visits/charges paid to reach these sites), time, topography and type of route. Accessibility is a very important concept that will nurture the full exploitation of recreational sites. Recreational exploitation is the satisfaction derived from the use of a recreational facility, based on attractiveness of site, facilities available, and availability of information, distance/cost and the type (Cowel, 2012). The exploitation of recreational sites also denotes the consumption of recreational facilities through visits and sightseeing, in a bid to enjoy the natural and cultural endowments of the site (Guilienne, 2004).
Cameroon is generally regarded as a macrocosm of Africa, as it cuts across all major ecological zones of the African continent, and stands at the cross roads of most cultures. Indeed, it is a cultural melting pot (Lambi, 2010). According to Neba (1978), the striking physical and human diversities available in Cameroon provide a panoramic view of Africa within a small geographical area. This is why many refer to Cameroon as ‘Africa in Miniature’, ‘An Eldorado of Africa’. This has been described as ‘a geographical ’paradise’ (Tchindjang and Fogwe, 2009). In 2010, Cameroon received 572,728 visitors thereby making it a recreational and touristic destination according to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (MINTOUR, 2012; Kimengsi 2014; Kimengsi et al. 2019). The country has the nickname ‘haven of ecotourism’ due to its natural parks, natural reserves, social, religious and cultural diversities (Noudou, 2012). The Mount Cameroon region hosts several ecotouristic and cultural features, which serves as touristic and recreational assets to national and international visitors. Recreation through tourism activities in the region generated some 47,798,000.cfa (MINTOUR, 2012). The region is blessed with so many recreational sites categorized as (natural, historic, social, cultural and educational), that if well yoked, will promote tourism development/other benefits in the municipality. Despite this, the access and exploitation of these sites as a function of accessibility remains unclear. This paper contributes to the search for clarity, by examining the exploitation of recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon region, as a function of accessibility. Insights derived from the study demonstrates potentials to improve current and future planning and accessibility to these sites.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area
The Mount Cameroon Region is located between latitude 4°14″ north of the equator and longitude 9°20″ east of the Greenwich Meridian (Figure 1).
Source: Adapted from the Administrative Map of Cameroon, NIC, 2011
Figure 1: The Layout of the Mount Cameroon Region
The region has an Equatorial Climate, which is mostly cloudy, characterized by two major seasons (rainy and dry seasons); mean annual temperature is 23°C while the monthly temperature reveals a minimum of about 20°C in the month of June and July accounted for by heavy rainfall. These climatic characteristics have been the major reason why many urban dwellers in the region today are turning back to nature, acknowledging the role that recreational sites play. The topography is composed of undulating high and lowlands with many rocks and gravels due to volcanic eruptions. The trend of population change in the region has been rapidly increasing from 1964 to 2004, that is (3,310 inhabitants in 1964, 1968 (15,850 persons), 1979 to 1987 (24,600 and 32,800 persons), 1997 (42,900) and by 2004 (51,690 inhabitants) and this population was projected to reach 3 million by 2020 (Fombe and Balgah, 2010; NIS, 2005).
Data collection
This study adopts Janos (2006), UNESCO (1972) and Kuenzi et al. (2008) conceptualization of recreational sites based on the type of visitor(s) and their motivations/intension to visit a site, the length of stay considering that not every visitor is attracted to all sites. There are visitors who are attracted to nature (natural sites), some are more of culture (cultural sites) and pilgrims move towards religious areas and take part in religious events. This helped in the classification of recreational sites into historic, religious, natural and cultural (Table 1).
Adapted from (Janos (2006), UNESCO (1972) and Kuenzi et al (2008)
Table 1: Conceptual frame work on the of Classification of Recreational Sites
The study made use of the explorative research design, to investigate a problem not clearly defined using primary and secondary sources. A survey of men, women and the youths, drawn from 17 communities was conducted to generate data. Besides cutting across these age groups during data collection, emphasis was placed on respondents of different income brackets and levels of education. Within the 17 communities, 250 households were sampled (NIS, 2018). A stratified random and purposive sampling was employed. First, we divided the population into homogenous groups called strata. Within each stratum, random sampling was performed. Random sampling was preferred since the different strata demonstrated homogeneity in their natural and socio-economic attributes. Attributes such as geographic locations (proximity), economic activities, population distribution, and the presence/absence of recreational sites, were considered. Primary tools of data included questionnaires, field observations, interviews, focus group discussions, GPS, camera and phone. The likert scale (3, 5 points) was employed to get respondents level of agreement based on specific objectives. The study used a semi-structured questionnaire to capture both closed and open-ended questions. To further generate qualitative data, we interviewed respondents who lived around and visited/uses the recreational sites. Here, detailed explanations were provided on what was observed from the field in terms of accessibility and the exploitation of recreational sites. Fifteen focus groups discussion sessions were held, 6 participants per group. Each focus group was composed of respondents who lived around and exploited the recreational sites). The global positioning system (GPS) aided in the collection of waypoints on the actual location of the sites (showing their spatial distribution). To complement the primary data, reports from the Buea Council, the Regional Delegations of MINTOUR, MINAC and MCNPS provided secondary data. Expert interviews were also conducted with representatives of these institutions, to gain insights on what the various institutions are doing to promote the exploitation of these sites, and on the impact of recreational sites to the community. They were equally interviewed on the challenges faced in promoting recreational sites exploitation.
Data analysis
The Beta Connectivity Index (β e/v), is used to measure the connectivity relating the number of edges (links) to the number of nodes in a network. (Where, e signifies edges and v, vertices), and value ranges from =1, <1, >1. Where, <1= high connectivity, 1= moderately connectivity and >1= low connectivity. This was done in order to establish the degree of accessibility to recreational sites. The frequency of visits to recreational sites at different costs was analysed using the Zonal Travel Cost-Method. This was done by calculating the Visitor rate/1000 expressed as:
VR=TVP ÷ ZP,
Where, VR= visitation rate,
TVP= total visits per year from the zone ZP= zones population
Furthermore, the Calculation of Average Round Trip Travel Distance (ARTTD) and Average Round Trip Travel Time (ARTTT) to the sites was done, in which
ARTTD (km) = distance to move from zone I to site A and back,
ARTTT (minutes/hours) = time taken to move from zone I to site A and back. Multiplying average distance by standard cost per km = AD × SC, Multiply average travel time for each zone by cost time = AT × CT, Travel time+ Time cost = AD× SC +AT× CT= Total Average cost/trip (TAVC/trip). The Regression Equation measured the effect of accessibility on the use of recreational sites.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
The majority of visitors were male (56.5%). This is explained by the fact that their disposable incomes permitted them to create time for leisure activities and to eventually exploit recreational sites. The increased proportion of the exploiters were youths (49.5%) and adults (34.0%). This suggests that youths prefer such leisure and recreation than the elderly. The results indicate that 49.5% of the exploiters were less than 30 years of age (considered the youths). The age bracket 31-50 (34%) followed this, while the age group of 51 and above accounted for 16.5%. The increased proportion of the exploiters (youths and adults) is indicative of the fact that they are the most vibrant than the elderly. As per the educational level of the exploiters, 58.5% were post-secondary level, justified by the fact that educated people have knowledge about recreational sites and their importance than those who are not. Those of the secondary level (22.0%) exploit recreational sites mainly for school purposes like excursions, retreats not on personal bases and (19.5%) being at the primary level of education (Table 2).
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Table 2: Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents
Christians constituted the majority (91%) of the exploiters, followed by 8% whom are Muslims with a minority (1.0%) involved in other religions such as the Bahia Faith. Of those resident in the region, a majority (82.8%) have lived there for more than 5 years followed by 12.2% who have lived in Buea for 3 -5 years. A minority (4.8%) have lived in the municipality for less than 2 years. Interviews revealed that the majority who have stayed in Buea do not really have knowledge about the Recreational sites/resources. This implies that the length of stay in Buea does not influence the exploitation of recreational sites.
Spatial distribution of recreational sites
The Mount Cameroon region encompasses a variety of recreational facilities ranging from historic, cultural, religious, and natural sites. Following Jones (2006), UNESCO (1972) and Kuenzi et al (2008) classification of recreational sites, the historic, cultural, religious, and natural sites seen below. With reference to Figure 2, the Reunification Monument is located around the Governor’s Office in Buea. Interviews with MINAC (2018) affirmed that it was erected within the framework of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of Cameroons independence and reunification on the 23 February 2014, 6 years ago. The Bismarck Fountain is located beside the 50th Anniversary monument. Though called Bismarck fountain, field investigations revealed that it was built by Puttkamer in honour of Bismarck in the year 1899 and has been there for the past 116years (Fieldwork/MINAC, 2018). The Lifafa Museum is located at ‘Last town’ beside Slaughter House in Buea town. Expert interviews with the management of this site revealed that the original site was in the Bakweri Palace and after was burnt in 1982; the museum was then created in 1990 to continue with the cultural aspects. It contains artefacts like the famous Afo-A-Kom, elephant mask, wooden Bird, Safari waza, Francoline bird found only in Mount Cameroon, skeletal materials from mount Cameroon, stored water gotten from the Hot spring at Ndepsi and the female lake in Kupe-Muanenguba among others. The MINAC Museum is located within the premises of Regional Delegation of Culture, around the Court area. This museum was created in 1976 (under the Ministry of culture and information at the time) following Decree of 1972 paving the way for the creation of museums in all the ten regional headquarters (MINAC, 2018). It contains the War cup from Bangana, Banyang Takuri tribe that is believed to exhume corpse, the elephant skull, dame guns, enema pump, clay jars, ashtray, fishing baskets wooden cooking spoons, mortars, bowls all from Western Bakossi, Mask from Banyang and many more.
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Figure 1: The Spatial Distribution of Recreational sites in Buea Subdivision
Mount Cameroon is the most outstanding recreational site in Buea whose presence is marked from a height of about 4100m above sea level. Its fame and height has given it it’s recognition as the highest Mt in West and Central Africa. Striking natural features on the mountain include volcanic cones (near Mann’s spring) and Mount Cameroon National Park (MCNPS, 2018). The most outstanding reserved religious site, the Shrine is located Opposite Saint Joseph’s college in Sasse (Meveo –village). Interviews with the management confirmed that Immanuel Bulanjo Bushu, Emeritus Bishop of Buea, inaugurated this site on Sunday September 4, 2011. Reverend Emmanuel Typam, missionary priest of Saint Vincent de Porres Order, first discovered the area. This sanctuary is a holy and prayerful site characterized by a waterfall with six outlets discharging into a main stream. Based on Figure 2 above, nearest neighbor index was calculated and results showed that the calculated Rn value of 0.41 indicates a tendency towards clustering. The sites are spatially distributed but their nature or pattern on the land show that they are not purely clustered/nucleated or purely random- indicating a low tendency towards clustering which lies from 0.5 to 0.
Source: fieldwork, 2018
Table 3: Summary of the some sites visited
Accessibility to recreational sites
In this study, accessibility was measured as expressed in the formula β e/v =β 13/24 = 0.54, indicating that there is low level of transport connectivity to recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon Region. Kimengsi et al (2015) had similar findings with a beta index of 0.84 (in relation to spatial service accessibility in Buea) and concluded that connectivity to health care services in Buea is low.
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Figure 2: Accessibility to Recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon Region
A discrepancy was observed in the level of accessibility of the sites (Table 4). The Reunification monument was seen to be the most accessible site. Mount Cameroon, Lifafa Museum and Our Lady of Grace shrine were the less accessible recreational sites. Field observations revealed that access to the monument is possible from three axes (through Buea Town, Bokwoango and from the main stretch of the road from Miles 17), and the road is paved and reachable by any means of transport. Field interviews revealed that there are no restrictions to the exploitation of this site, as it is open to visitors from all race, tribe culture and religion. Mount Cameroon, Lifafa Museum and Our Lady of Grace shrine were seen to the less accessible sites. Interviews with MCNP (2018) revealed that Mount Cameroon is not very accessible because the nature of the road leading to the sites is narrow, very rough, stony and hilly (movement on such road entails taking a lot of precautions). In addition, focus group discussions affirmed that due to the nature of the roads, getting to this site is time consuming and strenuous. Seasonality in accessibility as revealed by interviews is also another factor that limits accessibility to this site (mostly accessible from November until February, which is the peak periods) above such limit, this site is permanently closed.
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Table 4: Respondent’s opinions on the Level of accessibility to some recreational sites
Lifafa museum is considered less accessible. From interviews with the management of the site, the road leading to the site is narrow and time consuming (through two narrow axis, Buea Town stretch and Campaign Street). As taxis hardly ply the road, visitors tend to trek on foot or use mostly bikes, which is risky on this road. Another factor contributing to this is that this site is restricted especially for visitors who come without prior notification. The Shrine site is less accessible because the road stretch is only from one axis (from Mermoz) which is the most used road to access the site. This stretch entails moving long distances, incurring cost and time. Reaching at the site from the main road entails trekking for about 5-10minutes to reach the site because the road leading to the site is a small narrow footpath as compared to the monument or University of Buea. People exploit these sites for relaxation (14.9%), space (10.0%), and clean air (9.9%) among others (Table 5).
Source: fieldwork, 2018
Table 5: Exploitation of recreational sites
Effect of accessibility on the degree of exploitation recreational sites
A simple linear regression was calculated to predict frequency of visits based on the travel cost. A significant regression equation was found (F (1, 4) =2.169, P=0.215) with an R2 of 0.352. Visits per 1000 was 9.548 – 0.002 *(Travel cost). 60% of respondents rated the monument excellent followed by those who said well (30%). The interview justified that this site is airy, attractive and comfortable. For the stadium, 52.5% rated it good and 45% as excellent with reasons that it is accessible, has modern and spacious infrastructures, and is accessible and used during sport events. More so, 63% rated the Shrine as excellent and 16.66 good (Table 6).
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Table 6: Respondents rating of site
It was affirmed that the shrine is an attractive religious site where one can retreat to have a quiet time. It is void of noise, hospitable to anyone from any religion. With all these justifications, the willingness to exploit these sites even if a new fee is imposed or the current fee is increased, was used to calculate different travel costs (Table 7). The total visits made last year and total visits made from each zone is used to calculate the total visits/1000 as seen on Table 7.
Source: Fieldwork, 2018
Table 7 Calculation of visits/1000
Table 7 gives the total visits made to the monument from each zone and summing up gives 451 visits from the 6 zones, and to obtain the visitation rate per 1000 of the population, the total visits made to each zone were divided by the zones population, which is 182 visits /1000.
Source: fieldwork, 2018
Table 8: Total Average travel cost
A simple linear regression was calculated to predict the frequency of visits based on travel cost. A significant regression equation was found (F (1, 4) =1.415, P=0.3) with an R2 of 0.261. Visits/1000 was 3.386 + 0.013*(Travel cost). A demand function of the site was constructed using the results of the regression analysis. The first point on the demand curve was the total visits to the site at current access cost (assuming there is no entry fee for the site) which is 451 visits per year. The other points were found by estimating the number of visitors with different entrance fees (entrance fee is viewed in the same way as travel cost)
Source: fieldwork, 2018
Table 9: Respondent’s agreement to exploit the monument at increased fees
At 500 FCFA as entrance fee, V=3.386 + 0.013* (Travel cost) gives the following:
Point 0 = 451 (total visits)
V=3.386 + 0.013* (Travel cost) gives the following:
Table 10: Travel cost at 500 entrance fee for the Monument
Table 11: Number of visits at different entry fees
Source: Plotted on the basis of the ZTCM calculations (2018)
Figure 3: Demand Curve for 50th Anniversary Monument
As illustrated in Figure 3, at usual entry fee of 200 FRS, 451 visits will be made to the monument and as travel cost increase from 200 to 500 FRS, visits will to increase to 1027. At travel cost of 1000 FRS, annual visits will drop to 975. Table 11 indicates this above, where a total of 165% of respondents said they will not be willing to exploit this site in spite of its accessibility and attractive site characteristics (as against 35% who affirmed their willingness to still exploit this site). This implies that there is a significant relationship between travel cost and the exploitation of recreational sites (giving the relationship between accessibility and exploitation). Due to the effects of distance, cost and time increases, irrespective of site characteristics majority of the visitors (82%) said they will not be willing to exploit the monument at travel cost of 1000 while 90% agreed to exploit at 500 FRS. This is quite evident as interviews revealed (MINAC, 2018) that by 2019, the cost for exploiting the 50th Anniversary monument will be 200 for children, 500 FRS for Cameroonians and 1000 for foreigners.
This is in contrast to the conventional theory of inverse relationship between the cost of visiting a recreational site and the number of visits as observed by Garroud (1999) and Devani (1970) who observed that leisure preferences are conditioned by time and distance required to reach the location where one can engage in the desired activity. In this case, visitors cover longer and shorter distances from the monument incurring higher cost of transport to acquire their recreational desires. In essence, the researchers are advising the MINAC to impose a fee of less than 1000 FRS because above this limit, consumers/lovers of this site will scare away. Attention should also be paid on the site characteristics like cleanliness, attractiveness, infrastructures and hospitality to pull more visitors into this site.
ZTCM for Our Lady of Grace Shrine
The ZTCM for Our Lady of Grace Shrine is presented below (Table 12). As illustrated from Table 12, total visits to the shrine is 104 annually and the total visits /1000 are 24.
Table 12: Total visits/1000
A simple linear regression was calculated to predict frequency of visits based on travel cost. A significant regression equation was found (F (1, 4) =2.169, P=0.215) with an R2 of 0.352. Visits per 1000 was 9.548 – 0.002 *(Travel cost).
Annual visits at entry fee is 0 = 104.
Entry fee introduced = 200
Table 13: Calculation of Average travel cost
Table 14: Number of annual visits at different entree fees
Source: Plotted on bases of the ZTCM calculations (2018)
Figure 4: Annual visits at different entrance fees to the Shrine
As illustrated above, at different entrance fees, the annual visits will continue to change until insignificant visits will be made to the Shrine. At zero entrance fees, 104 visits will be made, as travel cost increases to 200 FRS, the annual visits increase to160, at 400 FRS, the rate of visits is at 154, 600 FRS at 151 visits. This implies that more visits will be made to the shrine in spite of the increasing transport cost, distance and time to exploit the site. Field investigations revealed that this site is very good as visitors go there for prayers, retreats and excursions. However, interviews with the management of this site affirmed that no entrance fees are being collected for exploitation. In addition, it was revealed that this site has some challenges of maintenance and is depends on pilgrims free will donations to run its affairs and support its volunteers (cleaners and secretary). It is proposed according to Figure 4 that since this site is very attractive and visited; introducing an entry fee ranging from 200 to 1000 FRS will not hinder visitors from exploiting this area; any increase beyond that will push visitors away from the site. If this is done, the income generated can be used to solve some internal problems since they do not receive support from the government as revealed by interviews. More (2002) and Burns et al (2006) argue that entrance fees (also acting as travel cost) may deter visitors from exploiting a site. This view is contradicted by Summer (2016) who noted that exploitation fees are not meant to scare visitors away. The author argues that the fees serve as a means through which people learn to value what they enjoy, since gifts are not valorised especially when open to the public. He encourages increasing or introducing new fees that will favour even the lowest income earner to benefit exploiting this site.
DISCUSSION
Mount Cameroon region is endowed with a verity of recreational sites ranging from historic, cultural, social, natural, religious and educational, as well as some intangible cultural assets. Even though the sites are spatially distributed very few are aware on the location of the sites. Accessibility to the sites is also another major consideration that hinders the exploitation of some sites (Hammer et al 2011a). The friction of distance, time, costs, and nature of the road and topography of the sites is what triggers the exploiter, and results affirmed the degree of connectivity of the sites in the Mount Cameroon region is low (0.54). Kimengsi et al (2015) also had similar findings with a beta index of 0.84 (in relation to spatial service accessibility in Buea) and concluded that connectivity to health care services in Buea is low. Accessibility through distance, cost and time was seen as a major determinant to the exploitation of RSs since longer distances meant paying higher travel cost and spending more time than imagined due to some traffic problems and poor roads. Adjens and Fishbeins Theory (1980) have proven that both the dependent and independent variables play a significant role in determining people’s exploitation decisions. Also taking into consideration that the ZTCM has revealed visitors willingness to exploit recreational sites in the region at different travel cost, time and distance, nature of the roads, income and the site characteristics (infrastructures, usage, services), making sustainable management decisions can be beneficial. Looking at the policies put forth by the following conclusion has been drawn.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the research presents a model, which begins with recreational sites being a strong pillar to achieve economic growth and development (increase in the GDP and an improvement in the standards of living) and eventually a green city (areas with contiguous vegetation, and spaces including parks, gardens, historic and natural areas). They are also cities with multiple networks connecting the city and its recreational resources, thereby reducing traffic congestions, pollution and increasing mobility. The main option available to manage recreational sites is for the government and local authorities to valorize these sites. This could be achieved by introducing sustainable management policies such as allocating sufficient funds, employing qualified staff, and embarking on the marketing/sensitization of sites to create awareness. Further action is required to educate the public on the importance of recreational sites, promote planning and accountability, revise current land use policies to protect recreational sites, and enhance innovation.
References
Cowel, G. P. (2012). Pull and push mechanisms for recreational exploitation. Turkey: CABI publishing.
Dianne, C. (2013), Concept and Importance of Recreation. Sept 20 2013.
Fombe, L. F. and Balgah, S. N. (2010). The Urbanization Process in Cameroon: Process, Pattern and Implications. New York: Nova Science Publishers Inc.
Great, E. K. (2000). Trends in the development of American aesthetics, a touristic view. New York: Pace University. 100-120.
Guilienne, C. (2004). The sustainable exploitation of recreational areas: factors, challenges and solutions. 7th ed. Englewood Cliff, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall. 34-48.
Hansen, W. G. (1959). How accessibility shapes land use. Journal of the American Institute of Planners, 25(1): 73–76.
Janos, C. (2006). The role and importance of cultural tourism in modern tourism industry. University of PECS, Institute of Geography, Hungary.
Kimengsi, J. N., Mokom, N. and Akhere, S. G. (2015). Spatial service accessibility and livelihood implications in secondary towns of Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of Buea, Cameroon. Open Journal of applied & theoretical environmental sciences 1 (1), 08-19 Issn: 2455-6831.
Kimengsi, J. N., Mukong, A. K., Balgah, R. A., Pretzsch, J. & Kwei, J. (2019). Households’ assets dynamics and ecotourism choices in the western highlands of Cameroon, Sustainability 2019, 11(7), 1-16; doi: 10.3390/su11071921.
Kimengsi, J.N. (2014): Threats to Ecotourism Development and Forest Conservation in the Lake Barombi Mbo Area of Cameroon. Journal of International Wildlife Law and Policy, 17(4), 213-230.
Kuenzi, C. and Mcneely, J. (2008). Nature based tourism. IRGC, Switzerland, IUCN, the world conservation union, Switzerland.
Lambi, C. M. (2010). The environment and development frontier in sub-Saharan Africa: some Global lessons. Bamanda: NAB ventures.
Ministry of Tourism and Leisure, Mintour (2012). Annuaire Des Statistiques Du Tourisme, Yaounde, Mintour.
NEBA, A. S. (1987). Modern Geography of the Republic of Cameroon. New Jersey: Neba Publishers.
Nfor, F. (2016). Cultural Heritage Tourism in Buea Municipality: Diagnosis and Perspectives. DIPES II, Department of Geography, HTTC Bambili, University of Bamenda.
Noudou, M. N. (2012). Cultural diversification of tourism and their importance: case study of Cameroon. Thesis Centre University of Applied Sciences.
Park, C. (2004). Religion and Geography. Chapter 17 In Hinnells, J. (Ed) Routledge Companion to the study of religion. London: Routledge
Rodrique, P. N. (2017). Evaluation of urban accessibility indicators based on internal and external environmental costs. Environment and Planning, 200-210.
Susan, H. L. (2013). The Role That Recreational Sites Play in the Society; Community Recreation. Journal of Applied Recreation Research, 20, (2), 165.
Tchindjang, M. and Fogwe, Z. N. (2009). Ecotourism in Protected Areas of Cameroon, Trends, Problems and Prospects, In Cameroon: A Country at Crises Crossroads: An Anthology in Social Sciences. Bamenda, Cameroon: Nab Ventures.
UNESCO (1972). Commentaries concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. Paris: UNESCO.
To cite this article
Electronic reference
Jude NDZIFON KIMENGSI & Delphine NALOWA TONGA (2021). « Exploring accessibility and the exploitation of recreational sites in the Mount Cameroon Region ». Canadian journal of tropical geography/Revue canadienne de géographie tropicale [Online], Vol. (8) 1. Online August 15, 2021, pp. 13-20. URL: http://laurentian.ca/cjtg
Authors
Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi
Faculty of Environmental Sciences
Institute for Tropical Forestry and Forest Products
Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
Department of Geography
University of Bamenda, Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon
E-mail: jude_ndzifon.kimengsi@tu-dresden.de
Delphine Nalowa Tonga
Department of Geography
Faculty of Social and Management Sciences
University of Buea
Buea, Cameroon
