| Effective management of natural resources is essential for the attainment of the overarching object of sustainable development spelt out in the Millennium Development Goals. The world, however, is increasingly being confronted with problems of excessive resource exploitation and environmental degradation. Water resources, which are the focus of this study, are being over-exploited and contaminated, leading to supply shortages and increased incidence of water related diseases. In contrast, and as exemplified in this research that used a case study of two communities in Ghana, rural communities applied strategies that were based on their own traditions and cultural beliefs toward preservation of their water resources. Water resources were utilized in various ways and a mix of adaptation strategies and purification practices were employed to cope with difficulties associated with dwindling supplies and deteriorating quality conditions. However, the communities were confronted with a number of challenges in the management of their water resources. Water purification strategies were characterized by subjectivity and imprecision which affected their efficacy and potency. Community decision-making processes lacked an inclusive character, and women were sidelined in decision-making, as community leaders who developed meeting agenda and guided the flow of deliberations were predominantly males. This, and other factors such as socio-cultural biases and preoccupation with hectic domestic duties contributed to women's marginal participation in deliberations at community meetings. Introduction of formal education and new religions as well as some external influences have contributed to declining youth interest in traditional belief systems upon which resource management measures were based. Their continued use in the future was unlikely due to youth disinterestedness. In view of these challenges, the study among others suggested policies in three key areas: improving upon water purification measures, refining rainwater harvesting to make it a viable adaptation strategy for minimizing vulnerability to climatic variability and lastly, promoting an inclusive community based resource management in which youth, women and other community groups play pivotal roles. Generally, this research made a case for incorporation of the wealth of resource use knowledge and the range of management approaches utilized by the study communities into water resources use and management schemes in Ghana. |
