Department of Geography & Regional Planning

Changing Beach Dynamics of Cape Coast-Elmina Coastline in Ghana

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Changing Beach Dynamics of Cape Coast-Elmina Coastline in Ghana Osei, Kingsley Nana This study investigates the changes in beach dynamics along the Cape Coast-Elmina coastline in Ghana from 1991 to 2020 and their impacts on local communities. The research uses a mixed-methods approach, combining remote sensing, fieldwork, community surveys, and policy analysis to understand beach erosion and its causes. Satellite imagery is used to track changes in shoreline position and beach extent, while sediment grain size measurements provide insight into alterations in beach characteristics. Community surveys, particularly among residents and fisherfolk, reveal the disruptive effects of these changes on livelihoods, including impacts on fishing operations, tourism infrastructure, and increased exposure to coastal hazards. The study attributes shoreline recession and beach erosion to a combination of natural factors such as sea level rise and wave action, as well as human activities including sand mining and coastal development. An evaluation of national coastal management policies reveals shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement, particularly in addressing these complex, interrelated issues. The research emphasizes the need for more inclusive, community-driven coastal management strategies that incorporate indigenous knowledge and local involvement. It advocates for more comprehensive, context-specific policies to promote coastal adaptation and resilience, thereby addressing the region's multifaceted challenges posed by beach dynamics. This study provides valuable evidence for improving coastal governance and safeguarding both the environment and local livelihoods xviii, 332p:, ill.

Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Regional Development: The Case of Garu District and Bolgatanga Municipality

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Presbyterian Church of Ghana and Regional Development: The Case of Garu District and Bolgatanga Municipality Kyeremeh, Rev. Bernard Globally, churches are well recognised for their charitable works to improve the living conditions in communities. This study assessed the role of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) in regional development within the Upper East Region, focusing specifically on the Garu District and Bolgatanga Municipality as case studies. Relying on pragmatist research philosophy and employing a mixed methods approach the study covered a survey of 802 respondents for quantitative data and purposive sampling of 19 key informants for qualitative data. The findings revealed that the spatial distribution of PCG projects is strategically aligned with both urban and rural needs, with higher community awareness and engagement observed in Garu District. Economic indicators demonstrated moderate to high impacts on income generation, particularly in Bolgatanga, while asset ownership and access to resources remain uneven. Social development indicators highlighted significant improvements in healthcare and education, yet pointed out ongoing challenges such as inadequate housing and water access. The study also uncovered distinct perceptions of the PCG’s role, with Garu District residents recognizing the Church as a crucial stakeholder in development, unlike their counterparts in Bolgatanga Municipality, where visibility and impact were less acknowledged. The findings emphasize the interdependence of social and economic development and advocates for tailored interventions that address regional disparities. xvii, 305p:, ill.

Reclassification of Ghana’s Agro-Ecological Zones

Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Reclassification of Ghana’s Agro-Ecological Zones Nathaniel, Bimpong Agro-ecological zones (AEZs) are essential for guiding agricultural planning and economic investments. In Ghana, climate change and evolving land use patterns have significantly altered key agro-climatic parameters such as mean annual rainfall (MAR), length of growing period (LGP), and land use and land cover (LULC) characteristics. This study analyzed long-term agro-climatic datasets (1991–2020) and LULC maps (2001, 2010, 2019, and 2021) using standardization, trend analysis, correlation, ANOVA, and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. Key findings revealed significant reductions in LGP thresholds (P < 0.05) across most zones except the Sudan Savanna AEZ. MAR trends varied, with notable decreases in the Tropical Humid, Deciduous Forest, and Transitional AEZs, while the Coastal Savanna AEZ experienced a slight increase. Intra-zonal variations deviated from old FAO AEZs, as shown by anomalies at stations like Saltpond, Yendi, and Sewhi Bekwai. LULC analysis showed substantial forest (-22%) and agricultural land (-27%) losses, alongside increases in built-up areas (+31%), barren land (+27%), and rangeland (+7%). A GIS-based Multi-Criteria Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) reclassified AEZs into six zones (A–F), revealing significant spatial shifts. Notable changes included the southward expansion of the SSAEZ into the Guinea Savanna AEZ, a southwest shift in THAEZ and DFAEZ, and cross-migrations in CSAEZ and GSAEZ boundaries. These findings highlight the challenges posed by AEZ changes to crop suitability, land productivity, and agro-economic investments in Ghana’s agrarian economy. Regular decadal AEZ revisions using GIS and remote sensing are recommended to support sustainable agricultural planning and resource management. xxii 284p:, ill

Large-Scale Land Acquisition for Cashew Cultivation in Bono-East Region: Implications for Livelihoods, Food Security, and Land Disputes

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Large-Scale Land Acquisition for Cashew Cultivation in Bono-East Region: Implications for Livelihoods, Food Security, and Land Disputes Agyapong, Alexander This research, grounded in the pragmatism paradigm, investigates the ramifications of large-scale land acquisition for cashew cultivation in local communities in the Bono-East Region. Employing a mixed-method approach, encompassing surveys of 380 respondents and engagement with 30 participants through focus groups and interviews, the study elucidates the multifaceted impacts of such acquisitions. The findings illuminate a dual effect on farmers' livelihoods: while presenting employment opportunities and cash income, large-scale land acquisition concurrently heightens vulnerability by diminishing available land for food crop cultivation and destabilizing land tenure. Local communities have devised adaptive strategies, such as inter-cropping cashew and food crop cultivation on the same land, to address these challenges. The research underscores the imperative of formulating a comprehensive land acquisition policy that prioritizes community participation in decision-making processes, ensures fair compensation for affected parties, promotes sustainable land-use practices, supports diversification of livelihoods, encourages collaborative ventures, and enhances transparency in land transactions. In essence, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities inherent in large-scale land acquisition in Ghana and provides practical recommendations for mitigating its adverse effects on local communities while fostering sustainable development. xiii 288p:, ill