Climate change, water conflict, and human security in the Bawku area of Ghana

Abstract

The publication of the Fourth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ignited several debates, including the security implications of climate change. While some authors have pointed out some forms of relationship between climate change and conflict, others have had contradicting views. This current study sought to unravel this nexus and to contribute our understanding of the supposed association in the Bawku Area of Ghana. Guided by the Hydro-Climatic Change, Conflict and Human Security framework, and the Political Ecology theory, case study design was employed to conduct this qualitatively-led mixed method study. In all, a total of 187 respondents participated in both in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. This primary data was complemented by a 40-year temperature and rainfall data from Ghana Meteorological Agency, a point and line data taken with a GPS device, and some digital pictures. It was found from the secondary data that rainfall in the regions have not decreased significantly. Yet according to respondents, availability of water to meet their demands is low. This scarcity compelled residents to rely largely on dams and underground water sources for their farming purposes, especially during dry season. In their attempts to adapt to the scarcity situations, some minor conflicts ensued in all the eight communities studied. These minor conflicts which involved communities and individuals – women and children, vegetable and livestock farmers, as found, could trigger major violent conflicts if they are not resolved. It is therefore recommended that dams and irrigation facilities be constructed by the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority in order for residents to have regular supply of water for their activities.