SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEMES

Dry season irrigation farming has become a major livelihood strategy in the Kassena-Nankana district of the Upper East Region of Ghana. This is especially so due to the increasingly erratic and unreliable rainfall pattern in the Savannah ecological zone. However, small scale irrigation schemes which are the main resource supporting this venture are beset with numerous challenges that threaten their very existence.This book is the outcome of a study conducted to unearth the problems of small scale irrigation schemes. The book discusses the management, maintenance and operational practices of the schemes and points out their strengths and areas that need further improvement. Notice is made of areas of support which are beyond the ability of the individual schemes as with de-silting the reservoirs and capacity building. The findings and recommendations of the study should serve as pointer for government and civil society to one of the areas to direct their resources if the interest is to reduce poverty levels and out-migration from the three northern regions of Ghana. The Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA)should find this book useful in their work.