GENTRIFICATION PATTERNS, TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT IMPLICATIONS OF THE BAMENDA METROPOLIS FROM 1972-2022

Authors: Mildred Acha & Lawrence F. Fombe

ABSTRACT

Rapid socio-economic changes are an issue of pressing concern for many urban residents and local governments in urban areas of third world cities. This arises as a result of changing urban lifestyles, technology and population increase. This paper describes how gentrification patterns and trends manifest socio-economically across the metropolis of Bamenda. The study employs the survey, historical and comparative research designs, making use of qualitative methods using SPSS version 20 and Microsoft Excel 2016 version to analyze and verify the stated hypothesis. Findings reveal that neighbourhood revitalization within the high-density residential zones predominantly take the form of rehabilitation (renovation and refurbishment) of decrepit housing and socio-economic facilities, while the low-density residential zones are transformed mostly through newly built-up structures. The study concludes that significant differences prevail in the gentrification patterns across the metropolis, which are not monitored, non-harmonious and unsustainable to uphold the aesthetics of the metropolis. Suggestions verge on the premise that the patterns be monitored and sustainably guided by the city planners to harmonize urban development in the metropolis.

Keywords: Gentrification, Bamenda metropolis, Revitalization, Patterns, Property value.

REFERENCES

  • Adam E. & Yushim K. (2018). Gentrification and displacement: Modeling a complex Urban Process. Housing Policy debate https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327515561 (15/07/2012)
  • Akere S. G. and Kimengsi J. Z. (2020), Urban Expansion and the dynamics of Famers   Livelihoods: Evidence from Bamenda, Cameroon.   Journal of Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5788; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145788
  • Cheng Ivanne (2022). How are Gentrification and Displacement Changing our Cities? https://www.urbandesignlab.com. Accessed, (20/12/2022)
  • Wanie C. M. (2019). State of Urban Housing and Strategic Planning Orientations for Sustainable Housing Development in the Urbanizing Bamenda City, Cameroon. Glob Acad J Humanit Soc Sci; Vol-2, Iss-2 pp-11-17.
  • Cole, H.V.S, Medipandah R., Gullon P. & Triqueros M, (2021). Breaking Down and Building up: Gentrification, Its Drivers and Urban Health inequality. Current Environmental Health Reports https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-021-00309-5
  • Fombe L. F.  & Agbortoko M.  A. (2014). Housing Standards, Household Health and Disease Nexus in the Buea Municipality. Journal of Sustainable Development; Canadian Center of Science and education. Vol. 7, No. 4; 2014 ISSN 1913-9063 doi:10.5539/jsd.v7n4p262                   URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jsd.v7n4p262
  • Fombe L. F. (1983). The Bamenda Urban Space: Evolution and Organisation. Maitrise, University of Yaounde, Faculty of Letters and Social Sciences, Department of Geography, October 1983.
  • Glass R. L. (1964). London Aspects of Change, Vol. 3. London , United Kingdom: MacGibbon & kee https://hakka3.files.worldpress.com.>  Accessed, (15/03/2022)
  • Grigsby G. W., Isaac F. M. Marja C. H. and Peter D.L. (1987). Understanding Nieghbourhood Dynamics: A Review of the Contributions of William Grigsby. jstor.org Vol.33, No.10 pp1779-1795 Sage publications, Ltd. https://www.jstor.org/stable/43083232
  • Inguane A. (2019), Gentrification and involuntary displacement. The nightmare for Africa’s urban poor. Thomson Reuters Foundation https://allafrica.com>201911270115 Accessed (10/05/2022)
  • Master Plan of Bamenda City Council (2011-2027); Detailed Physical Development Plan, Consultant HTR, May, 2012
  • Mbanga L.A. (2018). Human Settlement Dynamics in the Bamenda III Municipality, North West Region, Cameroon Journal of Settlements and Spatial Planning, vol. 9, no. 1 (2018) 47-58
  • Mela Social Enterprise, (2020). Managing Gentrification Intercultural City Policy Study. Cass study, Berlin, Bacelona, Montreal. https://rm.coe.int. Icc-policy…PDF. Accessed (20/8/2022)
  • Mickel G. (2022). Gentrification: Remedies and consequences. GREEN LAW BLOG OF PEACE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW PROGRAMS. Elisabeth Haub Law School of Law Pace University https://greenlaw.blogs.pace.edu/  (14/02/2022)
  • Thejas J. (2018). Gentrification – Definition, Causes and Examples. https://planning.com/planning-theory   (Accessed 15/10/2021)
  • Wainwright O. (2016). Gentrification is a global problem. IT’s time we found a better solution. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com>sep Accessed (21/02/2022)
  • Waldek S. (2020), Why Gentrification is not necessarily a good thing. The Pros and Cons of Neighborhood Revitalization https://www.housebeautifil.com, Accessed (27/12/2022)
  • Zuk M., Arieal H. B., Karen C., Karolina G. and Anastasia L. S.  (2017). Gentrification. Displacement and the role of Public Investment. Journal of Planning Lecture 2017 vol. 33(1)31-44. Doi: 10.1177/0885412217716439