Population Dynamics and Natural Resources in the Volta in the Volta River Basin of Ghana

Abstract

This paper examines the trend and pattern of population growth and distribution within the sub-basins of the Volta River Basin in Ghana from 1960 to 2010. It also examines the effect of population growth on three key natural resources: agricultural land, water, and forest resources. Results show that there were increases in population, settlements and the level of urbanization in all the sub-basins of the Volta River between 1960 and 2000. Projections show that these increases will continue in the future. Also, population growth is causing shortfalls in agricultural land, deforestation, and high demand for water resources in some of the sub-basins of the Volta River.