Assessing the sustainability of wetland-based livelihoods in the Keta lagoon complex ramsar site (klcrs) of Volta region in Ghana

Abstract

The study assessed livelihood activities undertaken within the KLCRS in order to ascertain how sustainable these livelihoods were amidst the reported high levels of anthropogenic pressure on the wetland. An exploratory sequential mixed method research design guided this study. In-depth interviews and structured interviews questionnaires were used to collect qualitative and quantitative data respectively. Descriptive statistics was performed to determine livelihood assets available in KLCRS. With the use of Principal Component Analysis, the factors that determine livelihood options, the vulnerability context within which these livelihoods were situated, as well as the livelihood outcomes were explored. The findings of the study showed that residents within KLCRS largely depended on natural capital to source and enhance their livelihoods. It was also found that physiological factors were largely responsible for explaining respondents’ choice of livelihood. Also, the livelihood outcomes of residents were found to be environmentally unsustainable. It is recommended that Government in collaboration with traditional leaders of communities within Ghana’s Ramsar sites work at getting a scheme where all users of wetland-resources are registered and a means of managing and monitoring livelihood activities clearly mapped out to ensure the wise use of resources within Ghana’s Ramsar sites.