SMALL SCALE IRRIGATION AND RURAL POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA.

Abstract

Poverty reduction in developing countries is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development. In line with this, the Government of Ghana since independence has undertaken the construction of a considerable number of small scale dams and dugouts to increase water accessibility for small-scale irrigation. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on poverty reduction in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Data was obtained from 235 irrigators and non-irrigators. The findings show that small scale irrigation schemes have made strides in poverty reduction through the creation of employment, improve household income sources, improve household nutritional status and reduce out-migration. However, lack of storage and processing facilities hamper the production of perishable products. It is recommended that government should set up storage facilities in irrigation communities as well as revamp the tomato processing factory to minimize post-harvest losses.