| dc.description.abstract | Flood events have increasingly become a globally challenge to sustainable livelihoods and development and more particularly so within the context of riparian communities in sub-Saharan African countries including Ghana. But a staggering question as to whether the occurrence of flooding is mainly detrimental remains insufficiently answered. The aim of this master thesis is to investigate the connection between flooding and livelihoods in the context of riparian communities in Ghana. The theoretical perspectives draw on the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, Pressure and Release model, and literature on gender. To achieve the aim of this thesis, a sequential explanatory mixed method was used. Phase one of the study comprised a cross-sectional quantitative survey of farmers and fisher folks of selected riverine communities using random sampling (n=240). In addition, traders were sampled (n=35) using snowballing. Data gathered in phase one were mainly quantitative and were analysed by using descriptive and inferential procedures and multiple regression models. Findings from data collected in phase one suggest that flooding affects the livelihood activities of farmers, fisher folks, and traders. However, for farmers and fisher folks, the effects of flooding could sometimes be beneficial. Farmers leverage flooding to practise recession farming while some fisher folks can increase fish catch with receding floods by adopting appropriate skills. To mitigate the impact of flooding on their livelihoods, research participants acknowledged the adoption of coping strategies such as borrowing, particularly, from family and friends, engagement in other livelihood strategies, use of savings, and migration. However, the adoption of these coping strategies was shaped by other variables such experience with floods (years), damage to assets (overall), benefit of flood-inducted activity, supplementary livelihood, and perceived preparedness for floods (p < 0.05), within the farmers’ cohort. Moreover, the interaction term damage to asserts X benefit from flood-induced activity was statistically significant and positive (β = .214, p < .05). Within the fisher folks’ cohort, experience with floods (years), damage to assets (overall), benefit of flood-inducted activity, and supplementary livelihood were all statistically significant and positive (p < 0.05). Moreover, the interaction effect damage to assets X benefit, flood induced activity was statistically significant and positive (β = .031, p < .05). Phase two was qualitative and conducted as a sequel to explain the results of phase one. Thus, phase two involved direct observations, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions using purposively sampled participants (n=58) and key informant interviews from NADMO and MOFA (n=4). The research participants included farmers, fisher folks, traders, and sand miners. The analysis of the qualitative data followed a discourse analysis. Findings of phase two corroborated and added more insight to those of phase one. Specifically, phase two explains how some fisher folks catch more fish during flooding, and how farmers engage in recession farming. It also includes pito brewing and decreasing meals served as coping strategies. Overall, the findings suggest that flooding is largely a detrimental hazard. However, the risk posed to livelihoods by floods is shaped by the vulnerability of the individuals involved. Furthermore, the findings suggest that female farmers are more vulnerable to the effects of flooding than male farmers. Specific coping strategies adopted during flooding differs among farmers, fisher folks, traders, and sand miners. Hence this master thesis argues that while there is the need for flood prevention and control to be heightened, it is also important to consider how opportunities associated with flooding could be better leveraged to enhance the livelihoods of riparian communities. Thus, Ghana government through NADMO and MOFA should support dwellers of flood prone riparian communities to reduce their vulnerability to flood by providing them with the needed education to navigate their livelihood trajectories in times of floods. | |
