Improving the Management and use of Water Resources for Small-Scale Irrigation Farming and its contribution of Poverty Reduction in Garu-Tempane District; A study of Irrigation Schemes in Bugri and Gagbiri

Small scale irrigation farming has been recognized as an important avenue for improving the ll being of poor people living in arid and marginal areas of the world. It has the potential of generating income for the growing number of unemployed people especially in Africa thereby enabling the poor to escape from poverty. The contribution of small scale irrigation can be seen in its ability to ensure food security as well as contribute to the income of farmers. In the Garu-Tempane District as depicted from the findings of the two communities indicates that small scale irrigation farming is a major source of livelihood for people in the district. Despite the importance of the irrigation schemes to dry season farming the scheme faces challenges such as inadequate water and inadequate canals, choked and broken canals due to frequent breakdown and inadequate repairs. This study therefore seeks to assess the management practices put in place to ensure the sustainability of the dams as well as the contribution of the irrigation schemes to poverty reduction in the Garu-Tempane District with reference to Bugri and Gagbiri communities. In conducting this research various participatory tools of data collection were employed. The data collection methods employed was interviews, observation, questionnaire administration and focus group discussions. The uses of the dams are mainly for irrigation farming, fishing, watering of animals and for domestic and household chores. Predominantly it is used for irrigation farming. The management of these irrigation schemes is the responsibility of the community represented by the water user associations. They are in charge of the day to day management of the schemes. They are in charge of operation and maintenance of the irrigation schemes. The main source of revenue for the operation and maintenance activities of the WUAs is through the levies paid by the farmers. Among the tasks they carry out are revenue mobilization, repair of broken canals, distribution and regulation of water, embankment of the dam, catchment area protection and conflict resolution. The maintenance of the schemes are not satisfactory due to the high financial burden for maintenance as well as the reluctance of some farmers to pay levies, poor coordination among WUAs and poor participation by farmers who are the direct beneficiaries of the schemes in maintenance activities. Despite these bottlenecks the irrigation schemes are the major avenue of poverty reduction in the communities hence the district. The contribution of small scale irrigation farming to poverty reduction in the district is in the form of food security, improved household incomes and ability of farmers to access social services such as education and health services. Managers of the schemes should therefore be provided with the necessary managerial skills and support services to enhance their skills. This will go a long way to improve upon the management of the irrigation schemes to ensure their sustainability.

Source: KNUST