Transforming Wli Waterfalls into Ecotourism Adaptation Activity: The Threat of Climate Change.

Abstract

Wli waterfall, an ecotourism attraction, provides livelihood opportunities to many of the community members. Apart from human activities, climate change is expected to exacerbate stress on the waterfall in delivering socio-economic benefits to the people. On this basis, the study examined the likely impacts of climate change (variability) on availability (flow) of Wli Waterfalls, and determined the potentials of Wli waterfalls as an adaptation activity for sustainable development. The study examined monthly data records for climatic variables (temperature and rainfall) from Ghana Meteorological Agency. This data was used to check reliability and consistency of the waterfall within the context and pattern of the climatic elements. Two variables in both climate elements were calculated and compared using total monthly rainfall (TMR) and the number of rainy days (NRD), while the monthly average number of high (AnH) and low (AnL) temperatures for two decades was analyzed to ascertain the degree of variability in the two periods to understand the figures and established trends ex ante for the Waterfalls. By this approach, both rainfall and temperature which are independent variables in river fluxes revealed changes in rainfall distribution and temperature between 1970 – 1980 and 2000 – 2010 which could affect all year-round ecotourism practice, livelihoods, and adaptation options. As part of the recommendations for a sustainable economic activity, local management of the resources, capacity building of managers, and regulating human activities around the waterfalls were suggested.