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A status quo analysis of disaster risk reduction policy and legislation in Cameroon

R.E.A. Ashu (African Centre for Disaster Studies, Unit for Environment Sciences and Management, North-West University Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa)
Dewald Van Niekerk (African Centre for Disaster Studies, Unit for Environment Sciences and Management, North-West University Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa)

Foresight

ISSN: 1463-6689

Article publication date: 3 April 2019

Issue publication date: 6 June 2019

275

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status quo of disaster risk reduction (DRR) policy and legislation in Cameroon.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a qualitative method, this paper examines historical data from sectoral administrative reports, plans, declarations, commitments and speeches, texts and peer-reviewed journals on disaster and risk management in Cameroon for the period 1967-2017. Empirical data from ten selected government sectors were used to analyze the status quo, together with quantitative data collected by using four instruments (i.e. HFA Priority 1 & 4, USAID Toolkit, GOAL Resilience Score and the Checklist on Law and DRR).

Findings

Findings show that Cameroon largely still practices disaster response through the Department of Civil Protection. Transparency and accountability are the sine qua non of the state, but the lack thereof causes improper implementation of DRR within development institutions. DRR is seen as an ad hoc activity, with the result that there is not effective institutional capacity for implementation. The need to develop a new national DRR framework is evident.

Originality/value

Analyzing the status quo of DRR in Cameroon could assist with the review and reevaluation of a new DRR framework within the Cameroonian territory.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The authors extend their appreciation to all development institutions and the private sector in Cameroon who collaborated and contributed to the success of this research.

Citation

Ashu, R.E.A. and Van Niekerk, D. (2019), "A status quo analysis of disaster risk reduction policy and legislation in Cameroon", Foresight, Vol. 21 No. 3, pp. 362-376. https://doi.org/10.1108/FS-06-2018-0060

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited

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