Bagre Dam’s Annual Floods: Scientists seek a lasting solution as Northern Ghana’s farmers count the cost

Every year, the controlled releases from Burkina Faso's Bagré Dam bring fear to the farming communities of northern Ghana. The floods cause immense damage, destroying crops, homes and livelihoods, leaving families displaced and struggling to recover. The Bagré Dam, constructed in 1992, is a critical water infrastructure in Burkina Faso that has contributed to severe flooding downstream in Ghana since 1999.

Historical data reveals the devastating consequences of these floods. In 1999, approximately 9,000 people were left homeless, 52 people died, and a cholera outbreak occurred. The 2007 flooding affected 307,127 people, costing emergency response efforts US$25 million. In 2018, 17 people died, and 75,607 farms, along with thousands of houses, wells, bridges, and infrastructure, were damaged.

In September 2022, 3,000 hectares of farmland were affected, impacting 2,000 farmers. October 2023 saw flooding displace over 2,000 residents and submerge 43 communities.

These recurrent disasters underscore the urgent need for a lasting solution to manage shared water resources between Ghana and Burkina Faso. A collaborative research initiative is currently exploring nature-based solutions to address the challenges posed by the Bagré Dam's floods. This multidisciplinary approach seeks to incorporate scientific knowledge, community wisdom, and sustainable practices to minimize the devastating impact of these floods on lives, livelihoods, and the environment.

The research aims to provide actionable insights that will enable both countries to develop effective strategies for mitigating the risks associated with the Bagré Dam's annual floods.