Nkam River
Encyclopedia
The Nkam River rises in the Western High Plateau
in the West Region of Cameroon
, and joins the Makombé River to become the Wouri River
. It is known to tourists for the spectacular Chutes d'Ekom, an 80 metres (262.5 ft) high waterfall about 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) from Bafang
.
To the south of the town of Dschang
, the Santchou Faunal Reserve lies to the east of the river.
These are caught for immediate consumption, or to restock ponds used for aquaculture.
The fish ponds are prepared at the end of the dry season, with bottom mud removed and the fish shelters repaired.
The ponds are invaded by weedy grasses and shrubs during the early part of the rainy season, from April until July.
Normally, the Nkam river floods from July to October, when fish migrate to the ponds.
Between January and March the water retreats, the ponds are drained and the fish harvested.
Western High Plateau
The Western High Plateau, Western Highlands, or Bamenda Grassfields is a region of Cameroon characterised by high relief, cool temperatures, heavy rainfall, and savanna vegetation. The region lies along the Cameroon line and consists of mountain ranges and volcanoes made of crystalline and igneous...
in the West Region of Cameroon
Cameroon
Cameroon, officially the Republic of Cameroon , is a country in west Central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west; Chad to the northeast; the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Cameroon's coastline lies on the...
, and joins the Makombé River to become the Wouri River
Wouri River
The Wouri is a river in Cameroon. The river is formed at the confluence of the rivers Nkam and Makombé, northeast of the city of Yabassi. The Wouri then flows about southeast to the Wouri estuary at Douala, the chief port and industrial city in the southwestern part of Cameroon on the Gulf of...
. It is known to tourists for the spectacular Chutes d'Ekom, an 80 metres (262.5 ft) high waterfall about 30 kilometres (18.6 mi) from Bafang
Bafang
Bafang is a town and commune in Cameroon situated in the Haut-Nkam division of the West Province. It lies at the heart of the territory of the Bamiléké people, and has a population of roughly 80,500.-References:1...
.
To the south of the town of Dschang
Dschang
Dschang is a city located in the West Province of Cameroon, with an estimated population of 87,000 in 2001, growing dramatically from 21,705 recorded in 1981. The 2006 Population is estimated to be 200,000 inhabitants....
, the Santchou Faunal Reserve lies to the east of the river.
Fish farming
Annual flooding in the river valley provides millions of catfish juveniles.These are caught for immediate consumption, or to restock ponds used for aquaculture.
The fish ponds are prepared at the end of the dry season, with bottom mud removed and the fish shelters repaired.
The ponds are invaded by weedy grasses and shrubs during the early part of the rainy season, from April until July.
Normally, the Nkam river floods from July to October, when fish migrate to the ponds.
Between January and March the water retreats, the ponds are drained and the fish harvested.