Abstract

This article employs mainly the qualitative approach to study and interpret local people’s understanding of environmental degradation in Northern Ghana. Environmental resources in the area are characterized by dry savannah climate and vegetation, poor soils, and irregular rainfall patterns leading to poor yields and low levels of output. The area is one of the most degraded regions in Ghana, and this is further complicated by high illiteracy rate, absolute poverty, complex land tenure system and high population growth rate. It is argued in this study that qualitative approach is an effective method for the acquisition, analysis and assessment of social data in developing countries. Through the approach, research participants discussed issues concerning environmental impacts that included loss of vegetation and the attendant effects on soil fertility leading to poor agricultural yields, cultural tensions with women disproportionately suffering the consequences of poverty and vulnerability to diseases.

Key words: Socio-economic and cultural implications, environmental degradation, qualitative approach, northern Ghana.