Differential impacts of dam construction on livelihoods in Ghana

Debates about the benefits and costs of hydro-electric dams have provoked this study, which examines how the Bui Dam in Ghana impacts on 13 nearby communities. Impacts were assessed using the capital assets framework, embracing seven types of capital assets: social, natural, human, physical, financial, cultural, and political. Data was collected through a quantitative questionnaire administered to 339 households, and qualitative interviews with 22 key informants. Findings indicated that dam impacts on each capital asset were generally negative, but varied somewhat. Relocation and type of livelihood were important explanatory factors, while age, ethnicity, education and gender were lesser factors.