North Region (Cameroon)

Geography and water resources

The Bénoué River (also spelled Benue) is the principal watercourse, draining much of the region and serving as a navigable artery during the rainy season. The Lagdo Reservoir, created by the dam at Lagdo, stores water used for irrigation, fisheries and hydroelectric generation and helps regulate downstream flows. Garoua functions as one of the country’s significant river ports and trade hubs linked to inland agricultural areas and transnational routes; it is described in some sources as Cameroon's third largest port (Garoua port).

Protected areas and wildlife

The North Region contains several national parks and reserves that protect large tracts of savanna and riverine habitat. Major parks include:

• Bénoué National Park — protecting about 1,800 square kilometres of floodplain and woodland, home to species such as hartebeest, hippopotamus, kob and waterbuck.
• Bouba Njida National Park — around 2,200 square kilometres on the border with Chad, established in the 1960s to conserve large mammals including historically the black rhinoceros (black rhino) and the Derby eland; it remains important for transboundary conservation (Chad border).
• Faro National Park — another significant protected area that preserves woodland and riverine ecosystems and supports biodiversity and traditional grazing landscapes.

Human use and importance

People in the region rely on riverine agriculture, livestock grazing, fishing, and cross‑border trade. The Lagdo dam and reservoir support irrigation projects and local fisheries, while the parks contribute to tourism potential and conservation research. The region’s climate and vegetation differ markedly from Cameroon’s humid southern regions, influencing settlement patterns, livelihoods and development priorities.

Notable facts and conservation challenges

The North Region combines important natural assets with socio‑economic pressures: habitat conversion, poaching and water management are ongoing challenges for park managers and communities. Cross‑border cooperation with neighboring countries, community engagement and sustainable water use are central to preserving the region’s wildlife and supporting local economies.