Effects of the construction of the Bui dam on the livelihoods of the surrounding communities

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the effects of the Bui Dam on the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. Employing a mixed method design, 188 households in the eight (8) affected communities were selected for the study through census. In addition, ten (10) key informants and stakeholders were purposively selected. Using interview schedules, in-depth interview (IDI) and observation, the data collected were analysed and presented using frequencies, percentages, cross tabulations and direct quotations. The study revealed that the main assets from which the people draw their livelihoods are natural, physical, social, financial and human assets, with natural assets being the most dominant among the assets. Before the dam construction, farming and fishing were the major livelihood activities. However, the introduction of the dam has led to a great shift in the livelihood activities of the people from predominantly agriculture (farming and fishing) to trading, due mainly to decrease farmlands and loss of access to rivers and streams. It also revealed that the dam construction has led to both positive impacts like access to infrastructures like housing, schools and roads and negative impacts like decreased in farmlands, food insecurity and loss of culture. It can be concluded that, the construction of the Bui Dam has brought more negative effects on the livelihoods of the affected communities. It is therefore recommended that, to ensure livelihood security, the Bui Power Authority should support technical and vocational training to enhance the employability of the residents in other sectors of the economy.