Department of Geography and Resource Development
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Item Dwindling water supply and its socio-economic impact in Sekyere Kumawu District in Ashanti Region of Ghana: public opinion on the role of climate change(GeoJournal, 2020) Adjei-Mensah, K.; Kusimi, J.M.Water remains a vital natural resource necessary for sustaining life and development. Glob ally there has been an increasing demand for water due to the increasing population. Water demand has worsened in certain regions where instead of climate change water resources are declining. This has created livelihood impacts. Using in-depth interviews and household surveys of household heads and opinion leaders in the district, the study ascertained public opinion on the role of climate change on dwindling domestic water provision and how inadequate water supply affects the socio-economic lives of people at household level in Sekyere-Kumawu District in Ghana. Rising temperatures, declining rainfall amounts, and stormy weather were some of the perceived changing climatic ele ments explaining the reduction in the water resource base of the district. Shortage in water supply has a great impact on the socioeconomic livelihood and health of residents with a greater impact on women and children. Households attributed low crop yields, the prevalence of water-borne diseases and poverty as some consequences of low water supply owing to bad climatic conditions. The study recommends the development of district-level climate change strategies, incorporating them into the overall national climate change policy to ensure a comprehensive climatic resilient economy to promote sustainable growth and developmentItem Urban Flooding, Adaptation Strategies, and Resilience: Case Study of Accra, Ghana(African Handbook of Climate Change Adaptation, 2021) Owusu, K.; Obour, P.B.Despite massive flood-controlling investments, perennial flooding continues to be a major challenge in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Assembly in Ghana. Previous studies have mostly considered the vulnerability of Accra to flooding induced by urbanization and climate change. This chapter examined the impacts of and adaptation strategies to flooding in two flood-prone residential areas in Accra. A survey was conducted among 320 household heads to ascertain the local impacts of floods and community adaptation strategies. To obtain a broader picture of government interventions and challenges, key stakeholders such as personnel from ministries, departments, and agencies who are involved in city planning, and private urban planning consultants were interviewed. The study found that a notable driver of floods in Accra is blocked waterways, and flawed and ad hoc engineering works. About three-quarters of the households interviewed have suffered flood-related losses over the past decade such as housing damage, income, and even the death of a relative. Key flood control interventions included dredging before the start of rains and sporadic demolition of unauthorized buildings on or near waterways to allow the free flow of water. However, these interventions only seem to be ephemeral due to the rapid rate of littering and re-siltation of the waterways after a few rain events. The study highlights the need for more pragmatic and robust engineering solutions to build the resilience of Accra to floods.Item Urban Sprawl And Its Consequences On The Sustainability Of Sekondi – Takoradi Metropolitan Area(University Of Ghana, 2022-12) Atakorah, G.B.Cities worldwide are undergoing significant spatial transformation due to continued urban growth and sprawl, with forecasts indicating strong growth in the urban fringe well into the future. Urban sprawl is an ensuing spatial form that has emerged globally due to this spatial transformation of urbanisation and has consequences on the natural and built environment, thereby affecting the sustainability of cities. Sekondi-Takoradi has undergone a series of economic boom and bust years, which has influenced the rate of spatial expansion in the city. The study, therefore, examines urban sprawl in the city and attempts to fill gaps in knowledge by examining the drivers of sprawl and the social and environmental issues affecting its sustainability. A mixed-method approach was used, which sampled 400 households and 120 commercial entities, and conducted 25 interviews and 12 focus group discussions. Among the interesting revelations of the study was the state's role in creating an enabling environment both positive and negative, which the private sector and individuals have taken advantage of and has led to the ongoing unplanned and haphazard development of the city. This has resulted in unequal access to essential services, loss of livelihood and inequality in livelihood options, thereby affecting the social well-being of the inhabitants. Environmentally, the consumption pattern within the city and its ensuing urban heat island effect among others threaten its sustainability, both in the short and long term, with broader implications for the city region. As a result of these threats to the city's sustainability, the study recommends that buffer zones or green belts be implemented beyond which spatial expansion is not permitted to occur, thus shifting towards densification and a more sustainable urban development.Item Cultural Ecology of Asante: 1702 - 1945(University of Ghana, 1974-06) Boakye-Boateng, A.The present can be considered as the product of the past" The truth of the statement is demonstrated in a study like this one which uses the genetic approach. Such an approach makes it possible for the present to be illuminated by the past: thus making it possible to explain many of the elements in the environment. This study on Asante reveals that the region had passed through two major socio-economic phases since the formation of the Asante Confederacy in about 1702. The date 1702, therefore, marks me beginning of the first phase which ends In 1901. During this phase the dominant force (theme) which controlled the cultural ecology was the Asante political power. The Asante Court controlled the main economic activities, namely, trade and gold mining; as well as me various crafts, such as goldsmithing, cire purdue metal casting, cloth making wood carving. The Court also controlled the population growth and distribution. Unfornmately, agriculture was not considered an important economic venture, therefore, it did not form part of the Court's delliberations. The Asante political power did not flourish forever. In 1902 this power oollapsed completely and Asante annexed to the British Crown. This saw the beginning of the second phase. This phase was characterized by the establishment of Pax Britanica. Within this peaceful atmosphere the cultivation of cocoa was encouraged. This was the era of commercial agriculture. It was this innovation which made all the difference in the cultural ecology of Asante. The processes In this phase ushered Asante into the contemporary by 1945. Indeed, by this date, it was clear that the basic characteristics of the contemporary cultural ecology were sketched. The various elements that make each phase distinctive have been treated with the view of showing both developments and changes that occurred.Item Local Farming Systems and Food Security in the Builsa Area of Northern Ghana(University Of Ghana, 2019-06) Awen-Naam, M.B.Societies are dynamic: so too are the farming systems that provide their food and other needs. The study examines transitions in farming systems and their contribution to food security at the household level. This is important as most people in rural areas rely on farming for their basic needs. These systems are under pressure from both external and internal forces with diverse impacts on food and livelihoods. A mixed-methods approach, which combined a survey with different qualitative strategies was used to investigate transitions, local conceptualisations of sustainable farming, and the contribution of local farming systems to food security. The results show important transitions in farming practices as most farm households are shifting from traditional to modern farm practices. These shifts, which involve the move to mechanical methods of tillage; the cultivation of new varieties of existing crops; the increasing use of external inputs; and increases in acreage; vary across space as access to these exclude poor households. The study additionally found that, locally, there are varied conceptualisations of sustainable farming; but most farm households generally considered sustainable farming as good yields at the end of a farming cycle. Markers of sustainability were derived from focus group discussions to measure the ecological, economic, and social domains of sustainable farming. Results from the survey showed that more than two-thirds of farm households did not perceive their farming systems as sustainable within all the domains of sustainable farming. Results from focus groups, informal conversations, and in-depth interviews show that farming systems in Builsa contribute differently to food security. The contributions of the various farming systems are very important because of the integrated nature of the livelihood activities of farm households. However, a probit regression model shows that farm households are better off if they combined the bush farming system with other systems in their pursuit of food security at the household level.Item Population and Agricultural Land Use in The Kanya Krobo District(University of Ghana, 1993-06) Bedele, D.K.The Manya Krobo District is in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The predominant people of the district are the Krobo who are mostly farmers. Indeed a number of researchers have described the Krobo as industrious farmers. Another characteristic feature of the district is the rapid population growth. The two variables: the rapid population growth of the Krobo and their agricultural activities, make the Manya Krobo District an ideal rural area for the examination of the relationship between population growth and agricultural land use. By 1731, the Krobo had become firmly established on the Krobo Mountain in the north-eastern part of the Accra Plains. As a result of rapid population increase, they acquired agricultural land from their Akan neighbours. By 1950, the Krobo had penetrated Akan lands as far as the southern parts of the Afram Plains, about 300 kilometres north-west of the Krobo Mountain. The land acquisition process was greatly influenced by the changing attitude of the Akan landowners. Thus while the process was peaceful at some stages, at other stages it was characterised by clashes. The rapid population growth of the district has great impact on the land use. Indicators of population stress like land fragmentation, changes in frequency of cropping, environmental degradation, changing landholding patterns, decreasing crop yields, changing crop patterns and disputes over land ownership are now common features of the agricultural landscape. The population, in turn does not remain static: it is responding to the agricultural land use change. There are signs of population mobility, changing perception about fertility levels and the use of the family as a source of labour, rising educatonal levels and occupational change. To address the problem of population pressure in the district, there is the need for carefully planned progammes to tackle both the problems of rapid population growth and inefficient agricultural land use.Item Effect of Climate Change and Variability of Smallholder Farmers’ Livelihoods in the Forest-Savannah Transitional Zone of Ghana: A Gender Perspective(University Of Ghana, 2018-10) Essandoh-Yeddu, F.Globally, climate change continues to pose a serious threat to ecosystems, food security, water resources, health and economic stability. While these climate change induced effects are well documented, albeit in varying spatial contexts, much of the debate has not gravitated towards evidence of gender differentials in the impact of climate change in recent times, especially among smallholder farmers. Against this backdrop, this study explored gender perspectives on climate change and variability effect on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers’ in the forest-savanna transitional zone of Ghana. Specifically, it assessed the perception of men and women smallholder farmers regarding climate change and variability; the differential effects of climate change on their livelihood activities; the adaptive strategies employed by them to improve their production and means of livelihood; and the various institutional arrangements available to support male and female smallholder farmers. The study relied on both quantitative and qualitative data to achieve its objectives. A simple random sampling technique was used in sampling 606 respondents from KAPND and KpMu for the household questionnaire survey whereas focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted among respondents and various institutional heads. The results indicate that majority of respondents were aware of climate change and variability and thus related climate change to changes in rainfall pattern and increase in temperature. Males were more likely to be aware of climate change and variability than females. Respondents reported reduction in crop yields, outbreak of pest and diseases and heat stress as some physical effects. Whereas engaging in off farm activities, migration, changes in agronomic practices and relying on remittances are reported reactive adaptive measures adopted by respondents, use of weedicides and fertilizers, change in planting time and variety of seeds, mixed cropping and tree planting are planned adaptive measures adopted by farmers. However, such adaptive measures are highly contingent on location of farms, financial capabilities and gender. Moreover, the adaptive capacity of farmers in terms of access to credit and social capital were very low. Even though the various government agencies provide some support for farmers, factors such as lack of knowledge of the services, inadequate information about services, unequal access to extension services, traditional/cultural barriers, and women’s excessive workload were the major causes of unequal access to institutional support. The study establishes that while there may be some subtle spatial and gender differences in modes of adaptive measures often adopted in the event of climate change and variability impact, individuals’ ability to adapt are largely contingent on their knowledge and awareness, access to resources and information. Consequently, the study recommends gender-sensitive climate change policies and interventions that focus on individual farmers, farmer groups, and communities’ specific needs.Item Assessing Residents’ Empowerment towards Sustainable Ecotourism: A Comparative Study of Kakum National Park and Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary in Ghana(University of Ghana, 2017-07) Eshun, F.Tourism is among the largest industries around the globe that are able to stimulate the economies of many countries. Such an industry need to be sustainable so that nations can continue to enjoy the benefits. One type of tourism that can be sustainable, has the tendency to conserve biodiversity and provide sustainable livelihoods to community members is ecotourism. Ecotourism can perform these roles when residents are empowered. Yet, few studies have considered the empowerment of community members for ecotourism sustainability. This study utilized sequential explanatory mixed method approaches to assess the empowerment issues of destination residents for ecotourism sustainability. The study particularly investigated the extent of residents’ empowerment and the factors affecting residents’ empowerment. The study also looked at the types of empowerment that residents prefer, types of residents’ empowerment that would enhance tourists/visitor’s satisfaction as well as the roles of private and public institutions in empowering residents. The analytical techniques employed include exploratory factor analysis, logistics regression, and content analysis. The results indicate that communities around KNP are more empowered than those around BFRBS. The factors affecting residents’ empowerment at KNP include the length of stay whereas at BFRBS, age, religion, the length of stay and gender of respondents affect their empowerment status. The majority of residents want to be humanly empowered whilst most tourists/visitors believe that human empowerment of residents would enhance their satisfaction. The study recommends that a national ecotourism policy should be enacted and an ecotourism framework with local perspective should be developed. Such policies and framework can guide the practices of ecotourism at destinations towards sustainability.Item Water And Electricity Access For Home-Based Enterprises And Poverty Reduction In The Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA)(University of Ghana, 2017-03) Amankwaa, E.F.Access to water and electricity services is intricately connected to improvements in the viability of livelihoods thereby reducing poverty. Despite research that attests to the significance of services and livelihoods, these issues have often been examined separately. In particular, the impact of water and electricity access on home-based enterprises (HBEs) remains largely understudied and not clearly understood. This study fills this lacuna. It illustrates how the urban poor in Accra use a range of strategies to improve their water and electricity access which in turn enhances the long-term viability of their livelihood activities. The study adopts an urban political economy approach to highlight how complex governance networks are (re)shaping household economies and the water and electricity agenda such that the vested interests of local elites determine ‘whose access matters’. This conceptual approach is accompanied by mixed methods including surveys, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and mobile interviews such as follow-along participant observation conducted with residents in four of the city’s neighbourhoods to examine the intersections between services, HBEs and poverty. The thesis finds that access is defined by proximity, reliability, quality and affordability dimensions that produce inequalities, with urban dwellers experiencing unequal geographies through a multiplicity of governance practices. The study argues that the contestations over access to urban services take place across a series of different domains incorporating the everyday geographies of the water and electricity network and household livelihood activities. Examining this services-livelihoods intersection, the study reveals how improving access to water and electricity significantly enhances home-based enterprises and reduces household poverty, particularly through job and income generation and increased affordability of services. It is argued that people’s poverty reduction strategies illustrate how informality is nested within formal service provision but in a subtle manner so as to not compromise the veneer of formality of the service or livelihood activity. It also highlights the agency of the poor and the complex ways in which they negotiate poverty, which are shown to be due to the inefficiencies of urban governance. These complexities suggest the notion of ‘emergent formalizations’, as it helps in categorizing the particular configuration of formal and informal elements and the patterns of interaction that characterize different modes of governance arrangements in the water and electricity sector. The study recommends inclusive pro-poor policies aimed at supporting service–dependent livelihoods.Item Road Traffic Accidents On The Accra–Kumasi–Tamale Road Corridor(University of Ghana, 2015-07) Sasu-Mensah, S.Ordinarily, the growth of the road transport industry and its relationship with development should not be antithetical to development, if such growth is in tandem with the adequate transportation infrastructure services, which are perceived as part of the daily rhythm of the development process. A reliable transport network is essential to public safety, economic vitality and the overall quality of life. Unfortunately, the Accra–Kumasi–Tamale highway, the busiest trans-national corridor in Ghana linking the three Salelian Countries, is fraught with traffic accidents, albeit at different spatial levels and magnitudes, a situation which threatens both national development and public health. Using the systems theory as a theoretical framework, this study investigates the factors contributing to road traffic accidents on the said corridor. To achieve the set objectives, data were drawn from a questionnaire survey of 245 respondents and 3 focus group discussions. This data was complemented with official reports and archival data extract from Ghana’s Daily Graphic newspaper, between 1980 and 2010. The results revealed that road traffic accidents normally occurred during the evening peak rush hours of 16:00–18:00 hours, possibly due to visibility problems. In terms of contributions, the results showed ineffective institutional arrangements at the district levels and inadequate financing of road safety activities. Aside the lack of commitment at the district levels, other human factors such as recklessness of drivers also featured prominently. The study opines that for effective road safety management such activities shall be structured and implemented at the regional and district levels instead of the current broad-based “National Safety Committee” approach.