Ghana Study Maps Flood Risks to Protect Farmers’ Livelihoods in Crisis

In the heart of Ghana’s Upper East Region, where the White Volta River winds its way through communities, a new study is shedding light on the troubling issue of flood risk. The research, led by Ramson Kabenla from the Department of Environmental Science at the C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, employs sophisticated techniques to map out areas vulnerable to flooding, a problem that has been exacerbated by changing climatic conditions.

Flooding can wreak havoc on agricultural livelihoods, and for farmers in this region, understanding where and when floods are likely to strike can be the difference between a bountiful harvest and a devastating loss. Kabenla’s study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) alongside Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create detailed flood risk maps. By analyzing satellite data from Landsat and Sentinel, the team has pinpointed high-risk zones, particularly in districts like Talensi and Bawku West, as well as parts of the Bolgatanga Municipal area.

“The findings are crucial for local farmers,” Kabenla stated. “By identifying flood-prone areas, we can help communities plan their agricultural activities better, ultimately safeguarding their livelihoods.” This proactive approach not only aids in risk management but also presents an opportunity for farmers to adjust planting schedules and crop selection based on the likelihood of flooding.

The study highlights the vulnerability of specific communities such as Nunku, Tolla, and Tongo, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. With water discharge rates being a significant factor in flood occurrences, the research underscores the importance of developing comprehensive mitigation strategies. “Addressing water discharge is key to reducing the impacts of flooding, and we hope our work will inspire further action,” Kabenla added.

For the agricultural sector, the implications of this research are profound. As farmers gain access to vital information about flood risks, they can make informed decisions that not only protect their crops but also contribute to the overall stability of the food supply in the region. This kind of data-driven approach could pave the way for more resilient agricultural practices, ensuring that communities can withstand the challenges posed by climate change.

As we look to the future, the insights gleaned from this study, published in “Discover Water,” offer a beacon of hope for those affected by flooding in the White Volta Basin. By marrying scientific research with practical applications, Kabenla and his team are not just mapping risks; they are charting a course for a more secure agricultural future in Ghana. For more information on their work, you can visit lead_author_affiliation.

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