Production des risques dits « naturels » dans les grands centres urbains du Cameroun.

This paper looks into the causes of the production of so-called "natural" risks in major cities of Cameroon. From a historical approach, it appears that the establishment of settlements in uneven sites (steep slopes, swampy areas, rugged plateaus, coastal plains) is at the root of the problem. The lack of resources that characterizes the Least Developed Countries in general and Cameroon in particular, coupled with a high population growth are some anthropogenic factors expressing the high sensitivity to natural hazards. It also raises the problem of the ambiguity of the land tenure system with the intervention of non-institutional actors (population and traditional rulers) which does not help in a production of adequate plots for construction. The inability of urban authorities and the administrative services to take good care of the urbanization process multiply the vulnerability. Climate changes (increase of temperature and rainfall disturbances) reinforce hazards, increase the frequency, and reduce risk perception and acceptance of the population. Floods, landslides, rock falls, drought, coastal erosion and gullying are main natural hazards that cause important damages in Cameroonian cities every year. It is important to find adequate solutions including all key actors and parameters to minimize as far as possible losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]