Evaluating the Perennial Flooding on the White Volta River and the Bagre Dam Spillage on Agricultural Activities in the Sudan Savanna in the Upper East Region, Ghana

Abstract

Ensuring food security and the reduction of poverty has become a major challenge for sub Saharan African countries especially among subsistent farmers. Subsistent households depend on the yield obtained from the farm for their survival and economic development. However, the nature and impact of the floods have increased in frequency and intensity especially in recent years which have affected food production. It is against this background that this study was undertaken to evaluate the perennial flooding the White Volta River and the Bagre Dam spillage on agricultural activities in the Sudan Savanna in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The mixed method design was employed for the study which obtained information on both qualitative and quantitative data about the issue under investigation. A total of 200 subsistent farmers households were randomly sampled for the data collections. The primary data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, field observation and photography. The secondary data was obtained from NADMO and MOFA directorates on the destruction of farms and crops yields respectively. The findings show that the study areas experience floods every year. The floods usually occur around August and September when rainfall is in torrential coupled with the spillage of the Bagre dam. The flooding has resulted in the declined in food production among subsistent farmers. As a result of this, households in Galaka, Salipiga, Yarigu, Binduri and Sapkare were food insecure. This situation (food insecurity) has led to households engaging in others activities in ensuring food security. The study recommend that there should be close engagement between authorities in Ghana and that of Burkina Faso so that the latter country can provide exact time for the spillage of the dam. Information on the dam spillage beforehand will help farmers in the affected communities to adequately prepare, including early harvesting to reduce the amount of farm produce lost to floods.