EFFORTS OF RURAL COMMUNITIES IN COMBATING DROUGHT AND DESERTIFICATION IN THE LAWRA DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

The desertification that is taking place Ghana has many adverse effects on rural livelihoods. As a result, rural populations suffer lower crop and livestock production which further deepens their poverty. The study sought to bring to bear rural communities' efforts in combating drought and desertification in the Lawra District The collection of data from participants for the study was done in focus groups. Also selecting the Communities and participants for the focus groups, the researcher employed the purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Findings of the study revealed that rural communities in the Lawra District are engaged in a wide range of local initiatives such as non-burning experiment, creation of community reserves, composting, enactment of local laws, stone lining, bonding and mulching among others towards combating drought and desertification. However, information on communities' efforts towards combating drought and desertification is challenged by inadequate documentation on its activities. The researcher recommends in this study that for the efforts of rural communities in combating drought and desertification be known to the outside world, there should be adequate and proper documentation at the Lawra District Assembly for easy referrals