Opportunities
About 24% of Ghana’s agricultural land is cultivated, and of this, only about 11,000 hectares are irrigated. There is enormous potential to boost smallholder productivity and income by increasing access to irrigation and mechanization. According to the FAO, the mean farm size in Ghana is less than 1.6 hectares. Small and medium farms of up to 10 hectares account for 95 % of the cultivated land.Challenges
Per capita GDP is $2,238 and about a quarter of the population live on $2.15 a day or less. 68% of Ghanaians live in rural areas, and about 52% of the labor force is engaged in agriculture. Lake Volta, formed by the Akosombo Dam, is the largest constructed reservoir. Ghana covers several agro-ecological zones, and irrigation and mechanization systems need to be carefully aligned with these for the best chance of success.Contributing to Solutions
Agricultural Water Management
ILIMS is currently working with the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in Ghana to assess rainfed to supplemental and dry season agricultural water management (AWM) practices and farmer incentives in Ghana. This project will study farmer experiences with climate risks, soil and water management challenges in three of Ghana’s agro-ecological zones.Capacity Needs Assessment
ILIMS is currently working with the University of Missouri to assess capacity needs in Ghana. The output is expected to be used by the private sector, public sector decision-makers, development and implementing partners, and other relevant stakeholders to support capacity strengthening as irrigation and mechanization technologies are scaled.Publications and Additional Resources
Project Partners
International Water Management Institute - (https://www.iwmi.cgiar.org/)University of Missouri - (https://missouri.edu/)
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of Nebraska System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.