The Implications of Population Growth on Environmental Degradation in Cameroon

Abstract

This paper is designed to investigate the interrelationship between population growth and environmental degradation and to evaluate the influence of the structure of the economy on the environmental degradation using times series data for 37 years (1980-2016). Using the difference Generalised Method of Moment estimation technique, it is observed that population growth exerts a positive significant influence on the environment and the environment affects population growth negatively over our the period of analysis. Based on the structure of the economy, the agricultural and manufactured valued added positively affect environmental degradation, while the service sector shows a negative influence. Based on the findings, policy measures need to be taken to incorporate environmental concerns into agricultural development, urban planning, technological innovations, industrial growth, and resource management, the degradation of the environment is likely to worsen in the future. For such policy to be effective, special efforts should be made for informing.