Hydrological challenges and agricultural opportunities in Northern Ghana: addressing climate change impacts and future pathways

• Hydrological challenges exacerbated by climate change poses a major threat to agricultural development. • Land degradation and erosion in Northern Ghana reduce farm yields and impact water management. • Within these challenges lies opportunities for farmers to their enhance adaptation to climate change through technology and innovation. • This study explored novel and site-specific solution focusing hydrological challenges in Northern Ghana. The management of water resources in agriculture is of paramount importance, especially in regions facing hydrological challenges exacerbated by climate change variability. This study explores the hydrological challenges, opportunities, and the way forward for agriculture in the Northern part of Ghana. The region faces issues such as water scarcity, erratic rainfall patterns, land degradation, floods, and droughts, which significantly impact agricultural productivity and livelihoods. This study identifies the region’s critical water management gaps and highlights both barriers and opportunities for sustainable agricultural growth. Our analysis emphasizes that climate-smart water technologies, such as drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and hydrological modeling, can significantly enhance water-use efficiency and resilience. Coupled with participatory water governance, infrastructure upgrades, and sustainable land management, these approaches can mitigate water scarcity, soil erosion, and climate risks. Through a comprehensive review of literature and analysis of hydrological data, this study provides insights into the complex interactions between climate change, water resources, and agriculture in Northern Ghana. By understanding these dynamics and implementing appropriate adaptation strategies, stakeholders can work towards building a more resilient agricultural sector capable of addressing the challenges posed by climate change variability.