Understanding the economic, socio-cultural, and environmental impacts of resettlement projects

ABSTRACT

Studies from the Global South on resettlement have focused on compensatory issues, with a little emphasis on socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts. The present study therefore focused on exploring the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental impacts of the Bui-Dam project in five resettled communities in Ghana. We used mixed methods to analyse household and qualitative in-depth interviews with institutions. We found that while resettlement projects offer positive benefits, they also yield negative impacts on the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental aspects of the resettled population. It is therefore important that policymakers carefully review and systematically integrate these concerns into resettlement plans.

KEYWORDS:

• Resettlement
• resettlement planning framework
• social change
• sustainable development
• sustainable livelihoods
• Ghana

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ata Senior Yeboah

Ata Senior Yeboah: Ata holds a Master of Science in Development Policy and Planning from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. He has interest in Sustainable Development, Environmental Conservation, and Water Resources Management.

Theresa Yaaba Baah-Ennumh

Theresa Yaaba Baah-Ennumh: Theresa is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. She has interest in social policy, development administration and mining and resettlement issues.

Murat Okumah

Murat Okumah: Murat is a PHD Researcher at the Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment, University of Leeds. He has interest in Agri-environment Schemes, Pro-environmental Behaviour and Ecosystem Services.