FARMERS’ WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR PRIVATE IRRIGATION SUPPLY IN NANDOM DISTRICT, GHANA

Abstract

This study investigated farmers willingness to pay (WTP) for private irrigation in Nandom district, Ghana. The study randomly sampled 236 farmers and analyzed data using descriptive statistics and ordered logit regression model. Results revealed that 94.5 percent of the farmers were WTP for private irrigation services with a mean of 35.83 cedis. Farmers’ WTP is determined by income, age, farm size, engagement in an off-farm occupation, labour hours invested in farm operation, yield losses experienced from drought, anticipated yield gain from the use of irrigation, engagement in dry season gardening and access to extension services. It was concluded that the establishment of private irrigation schemes is a feasible venture and should be considered as a policy option for improved supply of agricultural water. To sustain farmers’ WTP for private irrigation service, the creation of off-farm ventures is recommended as it serves as alternative income sources to finance farm operations.