Implications of Land use and Land Cover Dynamics for Water Resources in Ghana Under Changing Climatic Conditions A Review

The environmental challenges anticipated are increasingly driven by shifts in land use and land cover (LULC), coupled with climate change—two pivotal factors shaping global water resources, with Ghana being no exception. These transformations influence water availability, quality, and quantity, consequently impacting agriculture, ecosystems, and human well-being. This review delves into the intricate link between LULC alterations, climate variability, and their combined repercussions on Ghana’s water resources through a systematic review methodology. The study synthesizes existing literature on LULC and climate change as dual environmental influences on water systems, alongside adaptation and mitigation strategies designed to address their effects in Ghana. It explores the root causes and evolving patterns of LULC shifts, assesses climate change-induced hydrological changes, and evaluates strategic responses for managing these challenges.