URBAN SPRAWL AND CHANGES IN AGRICULTURAL AND FOREST AREAS IN THE EASTERN PERIPHERY OF YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON

Abstract

The Eastern periphery of Yaoundé is an agro-forestry area counted among the agricultural basins that supply the markets and inhabitants of the city of Yaoundé with food. This article focuses on the spread of the city of Yaoundé towards the eastern periphery and the changes over agricultural and forest areas, and has enables us to analyze the impact of urban growth on agricultural and forest areas. The methodology used consisted firstly of documentary research, then the acquisition of satellite images and the administration of a questionnaire to 50 households. The results show a trend in the evolution of the city of Yaoundé towards its Eastern periphery from 2001 to 2018 as well as changes in agricultural and forest areas as a result of the city's pressure. They also show that agricultural land is spreading, reinforcing the role of peri-urban agriculture in food supply to the town of Yaoundé.  Finally, the results call upon public policies with the aim of the sustainable management of peri-urban areas.