New Policy Briefs: Tackling Farmer-Herder Conflicts & Protecting the Volta Basin.

TAMA Foundation is proud to announce the release of two groundbreaking policy briefs that address critical challenges threatening Ghana’s stability and environmental health.

Produced in partnership with STAR Ghana Foundation under the “Action for Voice, Influence and Inclusive Development (AVID 2)” project, these documents provide evidence-based research and actionable solutions to address farmer-herder conflicts and the escalating water pollution crisis in the Volta River Basin.

Drawing from recent field data, stakeholder consultations, and scientific analysis, these briefs propose sustainable, community-centered approaches to some of the most pressing issues facing Northern Ghana and the nation at large.

 From Conflict to Coexistence: Managing Farmer-Herder Relations

Farmer-herder clashes remain a persistent threat to livelihoods and security, particularly in Ghana’s northern and transitional zones. Driven by competition over dwindling land and water resources, these conflicts result in loss of life, crop destruction, and displacement.

The Research: A 2024 study by TAMA Foundation and the University for Development Studies (UDS) identified 64 natural resource-related conflicts in Northern Ghana, with farmer-herder disputes being the most prominent. Hotspots include Afram Plains, Nabdam, and Karaga, among others.

Key Challenges Identified:
– Ineffective implementation of the ECOWAS Transhumance Protocol.
– Policy contradictions between militarized interventions and frameworks supporting free movement.
– Marginalization and stereotyping of Fulbe communities, fueling mistrust and violence.

Our Recommendations:
We call on the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), the Ghana Cattle Ranching and Transhumance Committee (GCRTC), and local authorities to:
– Invest in Ranching: Support public-private partnerships to develop grazing reserves.
– Strengthen Mediation: Institutionalize farmer-herder mediation committees at the district level.
– Shift from Militarization: Adopt inclusive dialogue involving Fulbe herders, women, and youth to ensure lasting peace.

Safeguarding Water Quality in the Volta River Basin

The Volta River Basin is the lifeblood of Ghana, supplying water for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower. However, illegal small-scale mining (“galamsey“) is threatening this vital resource with severe heavy metal contamination.

The Research: A comprehensive assessment by TAMA Foundation, with technical support from CSIR–Water Research Institute, found dangerous levels of cadmium, lead, chromium, and mercury in multiple sites, including Binduri, Nangodi, and Daboya.

Key Findings:
– Health Risks: Increased cases of diarrhoea, skin diseases, and respiratory illnesses in communities near mining areas.
– Economic Disruption: Devastating impacts on farming and fishing livelihoods.
– Regulatory Gaps: Weak enforcement of mining laws and insufficient community engagement.

Our Recommendations:
We urge the EPA, Water Resources Commission, and the Minerals Commission to:
– Strengthen Enforcement: Intensify monitoring and prosecute illegal mining operations.
– Ensure Safe Water Access: Invest in boreholes and water treatment systems for affected communities.
– Promote Alternatives: Support diversification into climate-smart agriculture to reduce reliance on illegal mining.
– Rehabilitation: Implement ecological restoration for damaged lands and water bodies.

A Call to Action: A Roadmap for Ghana’s Future

These policy briefs emphasize the urgent need for inter-ministerial coordination, community involvement, and sustainable resource governance. By implementing these recommendations, Ghana can reduce conflicts, protect vital water resources, and safeguard public health.

Dr. Chrys Anab, Executive Director of TAMA Foundation, emphasized:
> “These issues are central to Ghana’s long-term stability and development. We cannot afford to treat them in isolation. We must involve communities, traditional authorities, and policymakers to create lasting solutions.”

Get Involved:

We invite partners, donors, and community leaders to join us in implementing these solutions.

Contact:
Dr. Chrys Anab, Executive Director, TAMA Foundation
📧 Email: canab@tamafoundation.org
📞 Phone: 0244-821024

TAMA Foundation is dedicated to promoting sustainable development, peace, and environmental stewardship in Ghana.