Management of Irrigation Schemes in Ghana: Case Study of Subinja Irrigation Scheme, Akumadan Irrigation Scheme and Crops Research Institute Irrigation Scheme
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Date
June, 2016.
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Abstract
This study aims to assess the effects of irrigation schemes management in Ghana on its sustainability and crop yield. The data used for the research was acquired through desk study, literature reviews, questionnaire administration, focus group discussion, interviews with key stakeholders, soil sampling (physical and chemical properties) to ascertain the soils relationship to crops yield. The results of the study revealed most of the people who work on these schemes have some level of basic education. The levels of basic education of respondents at the three schemes are 44 %, 39 % and 93 % for the Subinja, Akumadan and Crops Research Institute- Irrigation Schemes respectively. The low level of education at Subinja and Akumanda Irrigation Schemes has resulted in poor record keeping on cropping activities and lack of knowledge on the importance of soil nutrient analysis. The irrigation schemes at Akumadan and Subinja are jointly managed by Ghana Irrigation Development Authority and Farmers Co-operative Societies whilst that of Crops Research Institute had an irrigation unit responsible for the irrigation scheme. The research revealed that 70.6% and 92% of farmers at Subinja and Akumanda Irrigation Schemes respectively, lacks access to credit facilities from financial institutions. However funds for irrigation projects at Crops Research Institute are provided by donors (WAAPP, AGRA, DONATA etc) and the Government of Ghana. The soils at the three study areas are sandy loamy and needs to be improve in other to enhance crop production. The yields at Crops Research Institute-Irrigation Scheme are higher than that of Akumanda and Subinja Irrigation Schemes because of better management of the irrigation scheme and good agronomic practices. The research recommended that irrigation must be carried out early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid high wind speed leading to non-uniformity watering of crops.
Description
A Thesis Submitted to the Department of Civil Engineering
College of Engineering
In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
Water Resources Engineering and Management,