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SUSTAINABILITY OF FARMER-LED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

2026-04-23T09:31:02Z

Title: SUSTAINABILITY OF FARMER-LED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS UNDER CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA Authors: ABARIKE, A. M. Abstract: Farmer-led irrigation (FLI) plays a critical role in food security, livelihoods, and rural development in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana, and contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1,2,5,6 and 13. However, its long-term sustainability under climate change remains insufficiently understood. This study evaluates the sustainability of FLI systems in the UER, focusing on environmental, economic and social dimensions, including gender relations. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining qualitative data from 33 key informant interviews and 20 focus group discussions with quantitative cross-sectional survey data from 250 FLI practitioners. The study examined the development trend of FLI systems, effects of climate change on FLI, adaptation strategies , and the sustainability potential of different FLI systems. The findings indicate that FLI enhances agricultural productivity and livelihoods by enabling dry-season cultivation and mitigating risk associated with rainfall variability. FLI systems are transforming in response to climate stress, with increased adoption of motorised groundwater systems, despite high capital cost. Manual and gravity-fed systems exhibit lower ecological footprints. Supplementary and pump-based irrigation systems are more economically viable, while manual systems are more socially inclusive. The decomposition analyses shows that gender disparities are largely driven by unequal access to land and other resources rather than differences in returns. This suggest that targeted support could reduce the gap. The Major challenges of FLI include limited access to credit, marketing issues, and climate change effects, including increased evapotranspiration, biodiversity loss and water scarcity. The study concludes that sustainability outcomes vary across FLI systems and are shaped by technology type, water source, gender and institutional support. A sustainability pathway framework for FLI is proposed, emphasising system-specific interventions, collective organisation of irrigation practitioners, gender-responsive support, and investments in water efficient irrigation technologies through government and NGO support. Description: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BLACK AND WHITE VOLTA BASINS IN THE CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT OF THE SAVANNAH REGION, GHANA

2026-04-22T15:20:27Z

Title: STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BLACK AND WHITE VOLTA BASINS IN THE CENTRAL GONJA DISTRICT OF THE SAVANNAH REGION, GHANA Authors: TAKORA, S. Abstract: Sustainable management of river basins has become increasingly challenging due to climate change impacts, population growth, pollution, and competing demands for freshwater resources. In Ghana, the Black and White Volta Basins are critical livelihood-supporting ecosystems, yet concerns remain regarding weak coordination and limited stakeholder participation in their management. Although participatory governance is widely promoted as a pathway to sustainable water resource management, there is limited empirical evidence providing a holistic assessment of stakeholder participation and its implications for sustainability outcomes within the Black and White Volta Basins, particularly in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region. This study therefore examined the extent, determinants, and sustainability implications of stakeholder participation in the management of the Black and White Volta Basins. The study specifically sought to (i) assess stakeholders’ knowledge and attitudes towards basin management, (ii) examine the level and forms of stakeholder participation in planning, implementation, monitoring, and benefit-sharing, (iii) evaluate the contribution of stakeholder participation to basin sustainability, and (iv) identify the key challenges and opportunities influencing effective basin management. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative data collected concurrently. Quantitative data were obtained through structured questionnaires administered to 400 respondents selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews with key informants, focusing on indigenous participation and traditional ecological knowledge in basin governance. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0 through descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance, while qualitative data were analyzed using content and discourse analysis. The findings revealed a high level of awareness of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles, with 82.8% of respondents acknowledging their importance. Indigenous communities were found to play a significant role in sustainable basin management, particularly through participation in planning processes where traditional ecological knowledge contributed to identifying key water-related challenges. The study recorded an overall sustainability score of 70.5, indicating a generally positive sustainability outlook for the basins. Principal Component Analysis showed that attitudes, stakeholder effectiveness, and access to resources accounted for 65.98% of the variance in participation outcomes. However, conflicts over water allocation emerged as the most significant challenge, with a mean score of 2.03. The study concludes that stakeholder participation remains essential for sustainable basin governance, especially when stakeholders are meaningfully involved in planning, implementation, monitoring, and benefit-sharing. It is recommended that the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Water Resources Commission and District Assemblies, strengthens participatory governance structures and prioritizes the development of community-managed irrigation systems tailored to the ecological conditions of the Black and White Volta Basins. Description: REQUIREMENTS OF THE AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

IMPACT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND AIR QUALITY ON HUMAN HEALTH: A CASE OF TAMALE METROPOLIS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA

2025-10-13T12:18:24Z

Title: IMPACT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND AIR QUALITY ON HUMAN HEALTH: A CASE OF TAMALE METROPOLIS IN THE NORTHERN REGION OF GHANA Authors: ABU, I. Abstract: This study investigated the relationship between poor air quality and climate variability on human health aimed at generating evidence-based strategies for mitigating adverse health outcomes and improving environmental resilience. The study adopted a convergent parallel mixed-method design with integrated quantitative analysis to study meteorological and air quality data spanning a period of 33 years (1990–2023). It drew qualitative insights from community stakeholders and healthcare practitioners using time-series analysis revealing significant climatic trends. These included an increase in temperature from February to November and a significant decline in rainfall during May (p = 0.01). The annual rainfall ranged from 878.96 mm to 1608.12 mm. Air quality assessments indicated high concentrations of PM₁₀ (mean = 263.56 µg/m³) and PM₂.₅ during the dry Harmattan season. Conversely, SO₄ levels were the lowest (mean = 0.52 µg/m³). Correlation and principal component analysis confirmed a strong relationship between climatic parameters and pollutant levels, as well as a notable influence on respiratory health outcomes. The health data revealed a high prevalence of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular disorders, with significant seasonal variation. Perceptions among residents and healthcare professionals corroborated statistical trends, linking poor air quality particularly during dry periods with increased health complications. The study concluded that climate variability exacerbates air pollution levels, which in turn significantly compromises public health in the Metropolis. Proposed adaptive strategies included afforestation initiatives, promotion of LPG usage over biomass fuels, and awareness campaigns on indoor air pollution. Furthermore, strengthening local air quality monitoring systems, mainstreaming environmental health into urban planning, and implementing targeted interventions such as clean energy adoption and community-based environmental stewardship would minimise the overall effect on human health. Description: AWARD OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

NITROGEN BIOREMEDIATION BY ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND BIOCHAR FOR OPTIMUM REDUCTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF GARDEN EGG (Solanum aethiopicum L.)

2025-07-10T12:04:00Z

Title: NITROGEN BIOREMEDIATION BY ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI AND BIOCHAR FOR OPTIMUM REDUCTION IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION OF GARDEN EGG (Solanum aethiopicum L.) Authors: JEAN, B. N. Abstract: Nitrogen (N) loss in agricultural systems is a significant environmental problem, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. This study examined the potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) and Biochar as sustainable solutions to mitigate Nitrogen losses and enhance soil health in garden egg (Solanum aethiopicum L.) production. The research addressed the combined effects of these amendments on Nitrogen Bioremediation, Nutrient Use Efficiency (NUE), soil properties, and crop productivity, with a focus on nutrient-poor soils in Ghana. The objectives were to (1) assess reduction in leachate volume and model nitrate leaching with AMF and Biochar; (2) evaluate Nitrogen Uptake Efficiency (NUpE) and NUE in garden egg; (3) investigate the impact of AMF and Biochar on soil properties, including pH, organic carbon content, and cation exchange capacity (CEC); and (4) analyze the effects of these treatments on crop productivity across two seasons. A 2 x 2 x 3 factorial study in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used, involving two AMF levels (0, 8 kg/ha), and two Biochar levels (0, 10 tons/ha) and three Nitrogen levels (0, 150, 200 kg ha-1). The study was conducted at the West African Centre for Water, Irrigation, and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA), University for Development Studies, Ghana. Nitrate leaching was modeled using an exponential Probability Density Function-based Model, and soil properties, plant growth, and yield were measured with standard methods. The study showed that when Nitrogen was applied at similar rates, the addition of AMF and Biochar significantly reduced nitrate levels in the leachate and decreased the total leachate volume (P < 0.05). At the optimal Nitrogen rate of 200 kg N ha⁻¹, the absence of AMF and Biochar resulted in nitrate concentrations and leachate losses from the root zone being 16.77 and 4.99 times higher, respectively, compared to when both were present. The model predicted that, at 200 kg N ha⁻¹, nitrate loss from the root zone would be 60.04% without AMF and Biochar, versus only 4.92% when they were applied. Additionally, regression analysis identified a moderate to strong negative correlation between cumulative field capacity (FC) and Nitrogen leaching (NL), as predicted by the Exponential Probability Density Function-based Model, with a multiple R value of 0.6948. The model's moderate fit (R² = 0.4828) explained roughly 48% of the variability in nitrate leaching. The negative coefficient for cumulative FC (-0.0244) supported the idea that improved soil water retention effectively reduces nitrate leaching. These findings emphasize the crucial role of soil moisture management in minimizing Nitrogen loss. Results revealed that AMF and Biochar combined significantly reduced leachate volume and Nitrogen leaching, particularly at higher Nitrogen levels (200 kg/ha). The synergistic application of AMF and Biochar also improved NUpE and NUE, with the highest efficiency achieved with AMF and Biochar at 200 kg N/ha. Biochar enhanced soil pH, organic carbon, and CEC, while AMF increased root biomass and colonization. These changes led to higher plant height, fresh fruit yield, and chlorophyll content. The study concluded that integrating AMF and Biochar in Nitrogen-fertilized soils effectively improved Nitrogen bioremediation, soil health, and garden egg yield. It is recommended that farmers adopt these practices to optimize Nitrogen use and minimize environmental impacts. Further research should explore the long-term effects, economic feasibility, and underlying mechanisms of AMF and Biochar applications across agro-ecosystems. Crop-specific studies can determine their broader applicability in sustainable agriculture.