Involuntary resettlement and hydroelectric dams

The practice of involuntarily displacing populations to carry out development projects is a long-standing one. History teaches us that these practices have had serious socio-economic consequences both for the displaced populations and for the communities and territories that have welcomed them. Today there is a strong desire to prevent projects from generating displacement and impoverishment. This document explores the foundations practices and socio-economic impacts of involuntary population displacements caused by large-scale projects in Cameroon such as the construction of hydroelectric dams like those at Nachtigal and Lom Pangar. It is the fruit of an in-depth analysis of legal texts and specific documents on the subject as well as data collection from impacted populations. Finally it offers practical risk management approaches based on operational models.