Indigenous knowledge in freshwater resource governance of lake Bosomtwe, Ghana

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge (IK) plays an essential role in reducing degradation and support structures for improving livelihood in freshwater resources. It is asserted that local knowledge helps to build stable governance structures and policies to control abuse and misuse of freshwater resources. The study, therefore, sought to examine institutions and institutional arrangements that govern Lake Bosomtwe. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to solicit data from five hundred and twenty respondents in the communities around the Lake. The qualitative data were analysed using QDAS NVIVO to bring out the themes and patterns for coding and transcription. SPSS was used in addition to CRAMER'S V test and STATA to analyse and test the questionnaires. The results show no clear participatory approach to policy formulation and implementation. The findings revealed a dual governance system operating around the Lake, making it difficult for rules enforcement. It was established that IK was essential to freshwater conservation, yet the meaning of IK and practice could only reveal its usefulness to freshwater conservation. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the lack of leadership and control in enforcing formal and informal rules and regulations are not helping to conserve the Lake. It was also resolved from data that IK in freshwater governance is acceptable to almost all the local communities, for its usefulness to be allowed to dwindle. Recommendations were that IK practices should be examined by both local and government authorities for better understanding and use in freshwater policy formulation and implementation. Additionally, all local people irrespective of the gender, education or class must be allowed to contribute their ideas at all levels of Lake Bosomtwe's governance