EFFECTS OF FLOODS ON THE LIVELIHOODS OF THE PEOPLE OF BANSE AND AZUMSAPILLIGA IN BAWKU MUNICIPALITY

Abstract

In recent times, the frequency and severity of floods in Northern Ghana has increased considerably. Through qualitative modeling, the study explores the impact of floods on the livelihoods of the people ofBanse and Azumsapilliga in the Bawku Municipality. In carrying out this research, various participatory tools of data collection were employed. These included; interview, questionnaire administration, observation and focus group discussion. In Bawku Municipality, as shown by the evidence from the two communities flooding have become seasonal in the last decade which greatly affect the people's farms, settlements, infrastructure, etc. largely as a result of the annual spillage of the Bagre Dam by the Burkinabe authorities and the location of the two communities along the White Volta. The people adopt various coping strategies to mitigate the effects of the floods. Among others is diversification of livelihoods both occupationally and geographically. The interventions made by stakeholders have not been satisfactory considering the magnitude and frequency of the disaster. There is therefore the need for government and other stakeholders to consider an integrated approach to the management of floods in the area instead of the piece-meal approach.