Examining Risk Mitigation Strategies of Farm Households: Role of Community Water Resources

Water scarcity is a major risk for farm households in Ghana, where rainfall variability threatens agricultural productivity. Community water resources such as dams, boreholes, and irrigation schemes provide critical buffers against drought. This study examines how access to community water resources influences household risk mitigation strategies, situating water as a cornerstone of resilience. The broader challenge is that climate variability is intensifying, making water access increasingly important. Households without reliable water sources face higher vulnerability, while those with access can diversify crops and stabilize production. This research situates water resources within the broader discourse on climate adaptation and household welfare.

Household survey data was collected across communities with and without water resources. Econometric models were applied to measure the impact of water access on risk mitigation strategies such as diversification, input use, and investment. Qualitative interviews captured household perceptions of water resources and their role in resilience. Comparative analysis was conducted to assess differences between households with and without access. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.