Publicaties

Kervyn, M.,  Jacobs, L.,  Maes, J.,  Che, V.B.,  Dewitte, O.,  de Hontheim, A.,  Isabirye, M.,  Sekajugo, J.,  Kabaseke, C.,  Poesen, J.,  Vranken, L. & Mertens, K. 2015. ‘Landslide resilience in Equatorial Africa: Moving beyond problem identification!’. Belgian Journal of Geography. URL: https://belgeo.revues.org/15944  (PR).

Article in a scientific Journal / Article in a Journal

Landslides (LS) impacts are acute in Equatorial Africa, which is characterized by mountainous topography, intense rains, deep weathering profiles, high population density and high vulnerability. This study aims to move beyond the recognition of landslide occurrence and investigate effective risk reduction strategies. Based on 5 workshops with local stakeholders, we illustrate the widespread occurrence of LS on 4 representative study areas known for being severely affected by rainfall-triggered LS in Uganda (Mount Elgon, Mount Rwenzori) and Cameroon (Limbe and Bamenda urban regions). The findings highlight the good knowledge of local stakeholders on factors controlling the timing and spatial distribution of these events. Stakeholders identify a wide range of direct, but also far-reaching indirect and intangible cumulative impacts of LS. Finally, the project inventoried and categorized risk reduction strategies currently implemented in the targeted regions, as well as the factors identified by stakeholders as bottlenecks in the implementation of potential alternative strategies. The experience underlines the usefulness of involving stakeholders at an early stage in selecting study areas and defining specific research objectives.