HARNESSING WATER RESOURCES: A CATALYST FOR POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

Unsustainable Water Resources Management in the Country is a serious concern to the government of Ghana. Various policies, programmes and projects by donor, governmental and non-government agencies emphasize the need for prudent water resources management and development. In spite of several ambitious programmes, policies, debates, conferences, accumulated knowledge and experience in the water sector, a number of rural communities are still significantly faced with constraints as far as water is concerned. All indications consequently show that something really needs to be done to resolve the situation. The study attempts to review some concepts of water resources' issues, policies, and programmes. Their general and specific meanings were explained. The study also, seeks to understand the factors that may contribute to the sustainability of water resources management and development interventions as well as barriers to poverty reduction through water resources policies. The study looked at the involvement of the numerous stakeholders and examines their relationship, roles and mode of water resources management and development; and also the problems associated with these parties in contemporary water resources management and development. The analysis was based on 3 months fieldwork in the West Mamprusi District and data collected from some agencies who have ever worked on water project(s) in that District. Multiple approaches were used. 120 traditional authorities and community members were purposively identified and interviewed on broad areas of water issues. Samples of 16 governmental and non-governmental agencies were interviewed. In all 136 questionnaires were administered successfully. The findings from this study suggested that, there is a direct link between prudent water resources management and poverty reduction. If communities embark on sustainable water resources management practices, it would improve on agriculture and irrigation. This would be translated into job creation and increasing food production and further improve on the general health of the people in the communities. Finally, it would lead to the reduction of rural poverty, which would go a long way to enhancing community member's livelihood in the Northern Region of Ghana.