PERFORMANCE OF IRRIGATION WATER DELIVERY STRUCTURES IN SIX SCHEMES OF NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The study assessed the performance and state of irrigation water delivery structures in six (6) irrigation schemes of Northern Ghana. The schemes were Tono, Vea, Doba Libga, Bontanga and Golinga in the Upper East and Northern Regions. Data was collected using interviews, physical structures, performance indicators, field observation and field measurements. The results of the study revealed that all the irrigation schemes except the Bontanga and Golinga are infrastructurally deficient with poor structure indices ranging from 30 – 96 %. The main canals in the Tono, Bontanga and Golinga irrigation schemes are in good working condition whereas that of Vea, Doba and Libga are in poor working condition due to lack of maintenance. The laterals in the Bontanga and Golinga irrigation schemes are in good working condition while the laterals in the Tono, Vea, Doba and Libga irrigation schemes are in poor condition. The off-take valves at Vea irrigation scheme are in poor working condition. Periodic maintenance of the water delivery infrastructure in the irrigation schemes is recommended to ensure irrigation water delivery for crop cultivation.