The School of Physical Sciences at CKT-UTAS has embarked on a ground-breaking groundwater research initiative in a bid to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and address the long-standing challenge of rainfed farming in the Upper East Region.
This innovative project will help harness the region’s untapped groundwater resources to reduce the dependency on erratic rainfall patterns for agricultural activities, ultimately improving the livelihoods of local farmers.
The region has long been plagued by the unpredictability of rainfall, leading to recurrent droughts and food insecurity. This overreliance on rainfed agriculture has left many farmers vulnerable to the whims of climate change.
The Dean of the School of Physical Sciences at the University, Dr. Jude Simon Bayon who is leading this initiative with the students of the school, made this known to A1 Radio on Monday 28th August 2023.
According to Dr. Jude the research promised to be a game changer as it seeks not only to identify and map underground aquifers but to establish sustainable methods for extracting groundwater.
“Our aim is to provide local farmers with a reliable and sustainable source of water for their agricultural activities. By tapping into these groundwater resources, we can reduce the vulnerability of farmers to climate-related challenges and enhance food security in the Upper East Region.”
He added that the necessary tools needed to carry out such research were available which the students of the department including himself will be leading in such an innovative project.
He therefore stressed that based on their preliminary assessments the region holds a significant untapped groundwater resource, which, if harnessed effectively, could transform agriculture and improve water access for local communities.
Source: A1radioonline.com|101.1 MHz|Moses Apiah|Ghana
