Research Projects

Currently, there are five doctoral research projects within WaterPower under an integral framework, as well as a work package for future transformation. From urbanisation and aquatic ecosystems to the political nature of water, the topics form a highly interdisciplinary framework for studying water systems in Accra.

Integrative framework

Antje Bruns

In work package 1, we work on creating an analytical and methodological framework that enables linking the parallel research strands of land system science, urban ecology and political ecology. 

Urban land use change along the Ghanaian coast

John Akubia

The overall aim of this project is to understand how different forms, patterns and intensities of urban land use change are affecting aquatic ecosystems and water security

Effects of urbanisation on the urban water system in Accra

Maria Kondra

The main focus of this work package is to understand patterns and processes of urbanization and their ecological consequences for aquatic ecosystems (with a focus on wetlands) by studying the interactions of social institutions, culture and behavior, and built environment.

Socio-spatial differentiation in urban water security and access to freshwater

Lara Bartels

Lara's research revolves around socio-spatial conditions in Accra, with the purpose of identifying socio-spatial inequalities in urban water security and access to freshwater.

Water governance and water infrastructure

Rossella Alba

Within this project, Accra's governance regimes and infrastructure systems are analysed in order to identify who has power and control over the water infrastructure.

Flood risk and vulnerability to flooding

Fanny Frick

This doctoral thesis seeks to identify how local patterns of flood risk in a rapidly urbanising area in Accra, Ghana are produced in discourse and practice, at multiple scales.

Urban water metabolism and the interconnected nature of water

Karsten Schulz

The main research questions in this project revolve around Accra's urban water metabolism and the interconnected nature water, socio-ecological systems and urban water transitions in the coastal cities of the global south.

Future transformative pathways

Ravi Baghel

The aim of WP 5 is to examine the scale and complexity of the water challenge and the shared risks by integrating the findings of the previous work packages.