Baseline Report on the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes and Enhancement of Water Management in Ghana

The KOICA–MoFA irrigation project in Ghana aims to improve rice productivity and reduce dependence on imported rice by rehabilitating key irrigation schemes and strengthening agricultural water management. The project responds to Ghana’s heavy reliance on rain-fed farming, low irrigation coverage, and limited use of its irrigable land.

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The project covers the Aveyime, Ashiaman, and Dawhenya Irrigation Schemes and is being implemented from 2023 to 2026 with a budget of approximately USD 6.53 million. Phase 1 focuses on rehabilitating irrigation facilities in Aveyime and Ashiaman, including the installation of solar irrigation systems to increase irrigation water supply and expand irrigated farmland.

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Phase 2 focuses on capacity building for the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), Water Users Associations (WUAs), and scheme management officials. The aim is to improve irrigation operation and maintenance, strengthen farmer organisation, and support higher agricultural yield and productivity across the three public irrigation schemes.

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JHSUSTAIN’s role was to conduct a baseline survey to collect data on farmers, irrigation conditions, electricity costs, income levels, training needs, and scheme management capacity. The survey identified the need for further training in agronomic practices, rice value chains, and water management systems, while also highlighting the importance of engaging younger WUA members to ensure the long-term sustainability of modern irrigation facilities.