Risk Assessment
Examining Risk Mitigation Strategies of Farm Households: Role of Community Water Resources
Integrating water access, climate stress, and household resilience into one programming lens.
Measuring Risk to Build Resilience. Assessments of climate, conflict, and resource risk that help institutions design stronger mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Resilience programming separated irrigation investments from domestic water access. The program needed an integrated vulnerability lens at community scale.
Water scarcity is a major risk for farm households in Ghana, where rainfall variability threatens agricultural productivity. Community water resources such as dams, boreholes, and irrigation schemes provide critical buffers against drought. This study examines how access to community water resources influences household risk mitigation strategies, situating water as a cornerstone of resilience. The broader challenge is that climate variability is intensifying, making water access increasingly important. Households without reliable water sources face higher vulnerability, while those with access can diversify crops and stabilize production. This research situates water resources within the broader discourse on climate adaptation and household welfare.
Community water resources are a critical foundation for household resilience and risk mitigation.
Martey, E., et al
2025
Background
Advancing through the data
Water scarcity is a major risk for farm households in Ghana, where rainfall variability threatens agricultural productivity. Community water resources such as dams, boreholes, and irrigation schemes provide critical buffers against drought. This study examines how access to community water resources influences household risk mitigation strategies, situating water as a cornerstone of resilience. The broader challenge is that climate variability is intensifying, making water access increasingly important. Households without reliable water sources face higher vulnerability, while those with access can diversify crops and stabilize production. This research situates water resources within the broader discourse on climate adaptation and household welfare.
Research Approach
Household survey data was collected across communities with and without water resources. Econometric models were applied to measure the impact of water access on risk mitigation strategies such as diversification, input use, and investment. Qualitative interviews captured household perceptions of water resources and their role in resilience. Comparative analysis was conducted to assess differences between households with and without access. This dual approach ensured findings were both statistically rigorous and contextually grounded.
Key findings from this study include:
- Access to community water resources reduced vulnerability to drought.
- Households with water access diversified crops more effectively.
- Water resources supported investment in inputs and technology.
Implications
A strategic lens for organizations and policymakers
Policymakers should prioritize community water infrastructure.
Organizations can design water-focused resilience programs.
Businesses can invest in irrigation technologies and services.
For organizations, this research informs water-focused programming. For policymakers, it highlights the importance of water infrastructure. For businesses, it shows opportunities in irrigation and water services.
Community water resources are a critical foundation for household resilience and risk mitigation.
Martey, E., et al, 2025
