WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. A CASE STUDY OF PRU AND ATEBUBU-AMANTEN DISTRICTS, GHANA by David Dei (B.A. Integrated Development Studies) A Thesis submitted to the School of Graduate Studies Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PLANNING Department of Planning College of Architecture and Planning SEPTEMBER, 2011 DECLARATION I hereby declare that this piece of work is outcome of my own research, carried out under the able supervision of Dr. Imoro Braimah towards the award of MSc. Development Policy and Planning. With the exception of references made to other literature which has been duly acknowledged, no part or whole of the work is reproduction of another person for the award of any degree of the university or any other university. David Dei .............................................. ........................... (Candidate: PG 3282909) Signature Date Certified By: Dr. Imoro Braimah .............................................. ........................... (Supervisor) Signature Date Certified By: Dr. Imoro Braimah .............................................. .......................... (Head of Department) Signature Date ii ABSTRACT Water is life and it is universally acclaimed as the most important natural resource. The end use of water is essential for every inhabitant and for a wide range of economic and informal sector activities Pollution of water bodies through the use of toxic chemicals by fishermen, farming near and in river beds, higher temperatures and other anthropogenic factors have negative effects on water resources thereby limiting their economic potentials towards sustainable socioeconomic development. There are regulations regarding the sustainable use of water resources in Ghana. However, these regulations are not being adequately adhered to. Given the current trend of population growth and increasing demands both in quantity and quality, the issue of water resource management has become more sensitive than any time previously in the history of Ghana. In view of the effects of climate change on water resources, it is necessary to ensure that water resources are sustainably managed to avoid the adverse effects of climate change. Therefore the research sought to assess the level of application and adherence to water resources regulations for sustainable socio-economic development in the Pru and Atebubu-Amanten districts of Brong Ahafo region. The study employed case study approach to carry out the research. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources and was analysed by the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results from the study indicated that, about 86% of the people in the study area derived their livelihoods either directly or indirectly from water resources in the area. The Water Resource Commission is the agency authorised under the Water Resource Act to regulate and control the use of water resources through granting of water rights and water use permits. The major laws that guide the regulation and management of water resources in Ghana are the Water Resource Commission Act, (No 522 of 1996) and the Water Use Regulation, Legislative Instrument (LI 1692 0f 2001). The granting of Water Use Permit is considered a tool to regulate water abstraction and control pollution of water bodies in Ghana. With emerging water problems, it has become increasingly important that governments develop and implement clear policy priorities and establish enabling framework in the water sector to address under-development, water shortages and pollution, and to allow equitable and efficient access to water. iii TABLE OF CONTENT CONTENT PAGE DECLARATION ............................................................................................................ ii TABLE OF CONTENT................................................................................................. iv LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................ x LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... xi ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ............................................................................................ xii CHAPTER ONE ............................................................................................................. 1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Background to the study ............................................................................................. 1 1.2 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Research questions ..................................................................................................... 4 1.4 Research objectives .................................................................................................... 4 1.5 Scope of the study....................................................................................................... 5 1.6 Research justification .................................................................................................. 5 1.7 Organization of the report ........................................................................................... 6 CHAPTER TWO ............................................................................................................ 7 FRAMEWORK FOR ANALYSIS OF WATER REOURCE MANAGEMENT ......... 7 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................ 7 2.2. Integrated water resource management ...................................................................... 7 2.3 Characteristics of water sources .................................................................................. 8 2.3.1 Water Sources and Supplies ............................................................................ 8 iv 2.3.2 Physical characteristics of water resources ...................................................... 9 2.3.3 Economic characteristics of water resources ................................................... 9 2.3.4 Social characteristics of water resources ....................................................... 11 2.3.5 Political characteristics of water resources .................................................... 12 2.4 Impact of climate change on water resources ............................................................ 13 2.5 Water resource management and development .......................................................... 14 2.5.1 Market and government failures .................................................................... 15 2.5.2 Optimal allocation of scarce water resources ................................................. 15 2.6 Water resources management experiences in Ghana.................................................. 16 2.6.1 Customary land and water conservation practices ......................................... 16 2.6.2. Pre-independence common laws .................................................................. 17 2.6.3. Post-independence common laws ................................................................. 17 2.7 Coordination of water resources management and policies at the national level ........ 19 2.7.1Water Resource Commission ......................................................................... 19 CHAPTER THREE ...................................................................................................... 22 3.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 22 3.2 Research Methodology ............................................................................................. 22 3.2.1 Research Design ........................................................................................... 22 3.2.2 Sampling frame and sample Size Determination ........................................... 23 3.2.3 Key Variables and Unit of Analysis .............................................................. 24 3.2.4 Sampling Technique ..................................................................................... 24 3.2.5 Data Sources and Data collection .................................................................. 25 3.2.6 Tools of Data Analysis.................................................................................. 25 3.3 Profile of Atebubu-Amanten District ........................................................................ 25 v 3.3.1 Location and Size ......................................................................................... 25 3.3.2Geology ......................................................................................................... 26 3.3.3Relief and Drainage ....................................................................................... 26 3.3.4Climate .......................................................................................................... 27 3.3.5Vegetation ..................................................................................................... 27 3.3.6Soils .............................................................................................................. 28 3.3.7Population Size and Growth Rates ................................................................