Cultural meanings of water to source water protection in rural Ghana

摘要

Abstract This qualitative study explores how cultural meanings of water involving customs, myths, and taboos contribute to source water protection in rural Ghana—an area that needs to be explored more in sustainability literature in Ghana. Using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in three communities, we identify myths, customs, taboos, and other cultural practices for protecting water sources. We found that cultural practices in rural communities in Ghana are paramount in protecting water sources and should be recognized as part of efforts toward Sustainable Development Goal 6—clean water and sanitation.