A feasibility study for planning on erosion control and drainage management for rural poverty alleviation

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2001-01-25
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One of the most difficult tasks facing the central government of Ghana on the issue of rural housing is its quest to provide a long-term intervention against the collapse of rural houses due to erosion. The goal of the study is to provide basic information that will serve as the basis for effective planning on erosion control and drainage management for rural poverty alleviation. Objectives set to answer this goal were investigating the dimension of the problem in Mankranso (case study area) and cost of mitigation, investigating the impact of erosion on public health of study area, determining the socioeconomic interest of households to embark upon ECDMP, and based on the mentioned objectives, determine the financial feasibility of the ECDMP. The methodology comprised the gathering of data using desk study. interviews, administering of survey questionnaires, observations and site photograph of defects, analyzing the field data collected and writing of this report. Simple numerical and statistical methods were used for data analysis. Graphical presentations and in some instances tables were used to explain trends of results. The study was able to establish that the prevalence of malaria in the study area is linked to the erosion problem. It furthermore revealed that an annual amount close to 33 million may be saved on medication of malaria in the study area if the project is implemented, well operated and maintained. There was an encouraging level of socioeconomic interest by households to embark upon the ECDMP. Assessment of financial feasibility of ECDMP for the standpoint of community showed that it is feasible. Revelations obtained from this feasibility analysis suggests to anyone the importance of such a study for planning on the ECDMP and may therefore become the necessary impetus that should precede the master plan for ECDMP. The fact that it offers tremendous savings over its service life makes it crucial as an intervention for alleviating poverty. It is also essential to raise the effectiveness of the project by educating the rural settlers to desist from their usual practice of constant weeding and sweeping that enhances the erosion phenomenon.
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A thesis submitted to the Board of Post Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, 2001
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