Impact Analysis of Water Scarcity Mitigation Programmes on Coastal Ghanaian Livestock Production: A Socio-Ecological Perspective

Coastal Ghanaian regions face significant water scarcity challenges affecting livestock production. These areas are characterized by high temperatures and low rainfall patterns, leading to limited availability of fresh water for both human and animal consumption. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and interviews with qualitative insights from focus group discussions was employed. Data was collected over a period of one year across three coastal districts to ensure comprehensive coverage. The analysis revealed that water scarcity significantly reduced milk production by approximately 20% in dairy herds, while feed conversion efficiency improved by about 15%. Economic benefits were also observed with increased revenue from better-performing livestock. Water scarcity mitigation programmes have had mixed impacts on coastal Ghanaian livestock productivity. While they provided critical improvements in water access and herd health, their long-term sustainability remains questionable given ongoing climate variability. Further research should focus on developing adaptive strategies to cope with seasonal variations and enhancing stakeholder engagement for sustained programme effectiveness. Policy recommendations include prioritising early warning systems and investment in resilient infrastructure.