The Effects of Fluvial Flooding on Livelihood Vulnerability in Central Tongu and Ada East Districts of Ghana

Abstract

Background: Flooding commonly refers to the overflow of water that submerge onto dry land. This can occur due to heavy rainfall, storm surges, rapid melting of snow or ice, or the overflow of rivers, lakes, or other water bodies. Dam-mediated flooding can occur due to various factors related to the operation, design, or failure of a dam. In the last three decades, floods have drawn much attention in both developed and developing countries as a critical development challenge. In September 2023, the Akosombo Dam was spilled due to changes in rainfall patterns which led to flooding downstream communities along the lower Volta Basin. The study aimed to explore the effects of flooding on livelihood vulnerability in the Central Tongu and Ada East Districts of Ghana. Methodology: This study employed a qualitative design and used a non-probability purposive sampling technique to recruit 33 key informants. The study utilized published newspapers and key informants’ interviews as main data sources. To analyze data, thematic analysis was adopted, and ATLAS.ti was used in coding whereas the emergency relief items checklist was analyzed using descriptive statistics with STATA version 18. Results: The controlled spillage caused significant damage in Central Tongu and Ada East districts, affecting both tangible and intangible assets directly and indirectly. Roads, bridges, and water supply systems were completely destroyed, while schools, markets, and electricity systems suffered partial damage. Some toilet facilities, refuse dumps, cemeteries, and mortuaries were submerged. Schools were repurposed as temporary shelters, disrupting education. The use of polluted water led to skin infections, with reports of diarrhea and malnutrition among children. Overcrowding in shelters increased the risk of communicable diseases, particularly affecting children and girls. Farmlands, food crops, and livestock were impacted, causing temporary food x shortages and higher food prices, while economic activities like fishing and oyster mining were halted. Although emergency relief items were donated, they were insufficient, and their distribution was influenced by political factors. Conclusion: The Akosombo Dam Spillage severely affected the livelihoods and general well-being of the people living in the Central Tongu and Ada East Districts. This study underscored the need for comprehensive disaster preparedness and resilience strategies that address the many challenges posed by floods. Keywords: Flood, Fluvial flooding, Akosombo Dam Spillage, Volta River Authority, Newspapers.