Environmental impacts and sustainability of irrigation schemes in northern ghana: A survey for golinga and botanga communities

Abstract

Most farmers in sub-Saharan Africa live in areas with relatively abundant water resources. The availability of these water resources, however, is extremely seasonal because of the patterns of the annual rain season(s) and the increasing effects of climate change all over the world. A survey was conducted at Golinga and Botanga irrigation schemes in Northern Ghana where 200 respondents were interviewed. The objectives of this study include: (i) to assess the management and sustainability of irrigation projects, (ii) to find out the impact of the irrigation projects on rural communities' development, (iii) to find out the challenges that hinders farmers from effectively using irrigation water from the perspective of farmers and to find the possible solutions to the challenges.38 and 40% of respondents from Golinga and Botanga irrigation schemes respectively agreed that cropping areas have moderately expanded due to the presence of irrigation scheme however, 52 and 39% of respondents from both schemes respectively indicated that the presence of the irrigation scheme to them has little impact in helping farmers expand their cropping areas. There was also moderate increase in crop yields in both communities due to the constant water supply to farmers obtained from irrigation projects.The study shows that the major challenge that hinders farmers from using irrigation water is the high cost of renting irrigable land for farming in the irrigation schemes indicated by a response of 47 and 64% amongst farmers in Botanga and Golinga irrigation schemes respectively. The study suggests that the need for relevant stakeholders to; revise the cost of renting irrigable lands, acquire and adopt the use of simple and affordable technologies (machines), implement reforms and policies to reduce land consolidation and fragmentation, organize and mobilize farmers in farmer cooperatives to promote collective marketing and organize capacity building sessions for farmers regarding the project sustainability.