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Paper short abstract:

This study employs Ostrom’s Design Principles to examine the effectiveness of water user associations to manage access to water resources in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The outcome is a set of propositions designed to improve water use and support adaptation to climatic change and variability.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the effectiveness of water user associations (WUAs) to manage access to water resources in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Using Ostrom's laws of governing the commons as a guide, the study applies a transdisciplinary approach for analysis, drawing on economic, environmental, and policy studies insights to understand the multidimensional nature of WUAs and their role in climate adaptation. The data for this analysis were gathered through semi-structured interviews in eighteen WUAs, a two-day participatory stakeholder workshop, and a one-day feedback collection session with subject matter experts. The results demonstrate the significance of local knowledge and community involvement in coping with the uncertainties of climate change. Findings indicate that WUAs in community managed schemes – with relatively lower water supply and higher freedom in crop choice - are more efficient in managing water and have generally higher likelihood of community participation and involvement in WUAs. We also find that enforcement of water user laws is generally weak in the study region, and stricter laws sometimes lead to poor implementation. The findings emphasize the significance of incorporating WUAs and local knowledge into future water management projects, such as the planned Pwalugu dam in Ghana. Overall, this paper emphasises the significance of Ostrom's laws governing the commons as well as interdisciplinary approaches for comprehending the dynamics of water user associations and their role in the management of irrigation schemes in the Upper East region of Ghana, particularly in the context of the climate crisis.