The Effects of Water Shortages at the Household Level Case Study Of
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UNIVERSITY OF GHANA DEPARTMENT OF GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT THE EFFECTS OF WATER SHORTAGES AT THE HOUSEHOLD LEVEL: CASE STUDY OF KUMAWU TOWNSHIP IN THE SEKYERE KUMAWU DISTRICT BY ADJEI-MENSAH KWAME (10291415) THIS THESIS IS SUBMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF GHANA, LEGON IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MPHIL GEOGRAPHY AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DEGREE JULY, 2017 DECLARATION I, Adjei-Mensah Kwame, declare that this research and its entire contents represent my own work. I remain answerable to every question pertaining to this work and duly acknowledged all secondary sources in the list of references. No part whatsoever has been presented to any other Institution for the award of degree. ADJEI-MENSAH KWAME (10291415) SIGNATURE…………………….. DATE…………………………….. SUPERVISORS DR. CHARLOTTE W. ASANTE DR. JOHN M. KUSIMI (PRINCIPAL SUPERVISOR) (CO-SUPERVISOR) SIGNATURE…………………. …………………………….. DATE…………………………… …………………………….. i DEDICATION To my lovely family that has remained my strength and support throughout the entire duration of the study. ii ACKNOWLEDGMENT I am highly indebted to many who contributed in the production of this thesis. First, to my principal supervisor, Dr. Charlotte Wrigley Asante, whose critical assessment of the work has been nothing but impeccable and thorough. Her advice, motivation and encouragement have also opened many opportunities for me. I also thank my co-supervisor, Dr. John Kusimi, whose constructive comments and criticisms, especially in the analysis, helped to put so much shape to the work. I also thank Mr. Kwabena Asubonteng of UNU/INRA at Legon, and Colleagues at the Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana especially Mr. Godwin Odikro for the support rendered for the completion of this work. iii ABSTRACT Globally, there have been increasing demands for water by increasing populations. Demands however outstrip supply in most regions creating water shortage situation. Water shortage is noted to have effects on the socio-economic livelihood development of households. This study assessed the effects of water shortage and coping strategies of households as well as the role of stakeholders in addressing the situation in Kumawu. Using the mixed method, 200 household questionnaires were administered and 6 in-depth interviews also conducted. Landsat ETM+ images were used for Land use/Land Cover changes. The study found that, pipe borne water is the principal source of water with rainwater and groundwater as alternative sources. It is found out that water supplied was inadequate and the shortage is exacerbated by climate change, population increase, cutting down of trees, settlement expansion and water pollution over the years. Water bodies however have disappeared over the years in Kumawu. The water shortage has led to significant effects on the socio-economic livelihood of residents with increases in reported cases of water related diseases at health centres. Also, women are affected more by water shortage than men. Other affected livelihood areas included education, food security and poverty. As a result residents have adopted water storage and treating stored water for use as coping strategies. The construction of a 5.3cubic metres ground water plant is underway among other institutional intervention. These however are inadequate in meeting the current demand for water placed at 15000 cubic metres annually. The study recommends stronger collaborations among institutions in addressing the water shortage situation. The study also recommends that, District level strategies should be formulated to tackle climate change, vegetation loss, rapid urbanisation and education on ecosystem conservation in the District. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATION ................................................................................................................... i DEDICATION ...................................................................................................................... ii ACKNOWLEDGMENT ..................................................................................................... iii ABSTRACT ......................................................................................................................... iv TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................... v LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................... viii LIST OF TABLES ............................................................................................................... ix LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................. xi CHAPTER ONE ................................................................................................................... 1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 1 1.1 Introduction to the Study ............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Statement of the Research Problem ............................................................................. 3 1.3 Research Questions ..................................................................................................... 5 1.4 Objectives of the Study ............................................................................................... 5 1.5 Hypotheses .................................................................................................................. 6 1.6 Justification of the Study ............................................................................................. 6 1.7 Organization of the Study ............................................................................................ 7 CHAPTER TWO .................................................................................................................. 9 LITERATURE REVIEW AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK ..................................... 9 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 9 2.2 Global Perspective on Water Shortages ...................................................................... 9 2.3 Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals on Water Sustainability ................................................................................................................... 11 2.4 Factors Underpinning Water Shortages .................................................................... 12 2.4.1 Demographic Changes ........................................................................................ 12 2.4.2 Urbanization and Economic Growth .................................................................. 13 2.4.3 Environmental Pollution ..................................................................................... 14 2.4.4 Climatic Factors .................................................................................................. 15 2.5 Effects of Water Shortages at the Household Level .................................................. 16 2.6 Coping Strategies of Water Shortages ..................................................................... 22 2.6.1 Harvesting of Rainwater ..................................................................................... 22 2.6.2 Groundwater Use ................................................................................................ 23 2.6.3 Surface Water (rivers, pods, streams) Use .......................................................... 23 2.6.4 Water pumping Technology ............................................................................... 23 2.6.5 Water Vendors Services ...................................................................................... 24 2.7 Water Management Concept ..................................................................................... 24 2.8 National Water Policies in Ghana ............................................................................. 26 2.9 National Community Water Supply and Sanitation Policy ....................................... 27 2.10 Theoretical Framework ........................................................................................... 28 2.10.1 Sustainable Livelihood Approach ..................................................................... 28 v 2.11 Conceptual Framework ........................................................................................... 31 2.12 Chapter Summary .................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER THREE ............................................................................................................. 35 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY AREA AND METHODOLOGY .............................. 35 3.1. Introduction .............................................................................................................. 35 3.1.1 Location and Size................................................................................................ 35 3.1.2 Geology and Soil ................................................................................................ 35 3.1.3 Climate and Vegetation ...................................................................................... 37 3.1.4 Demographic Characteristics .............................................................................. 39 3.1.5 Water and