AN ASSESSMENT OF IRRIGATION FARMING AS A LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY IN THE WA WEST DISTRICT OF THE UPPER WEST REGION OF GHANA

Abstract

The study revolved on how irrigation farming contributes to the livelihood of income generation as a source of support to farmers in the Ghanaian societies in the Wa West District, Upper West Region. The study is descriptive in nature and used both primary and secondary data. Also, a concurrent mixed method was used in collecting and analyzing the data. Thus, the data were discussed and presented quantitative and qualitative form. The data was examined with Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) and presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar charts. The findings were that; irrigation farming is a predominantly a traditional activity engaged in by people particularly who never attended school and the minority being literates who are engaged in it. Leafy vegetable crops were the main crop cultivated by farmers. The motive for irrigation farming in the District was for income generation. Also, households were found to consume the proceeds from the irrigation activities and hence generally improved food security at household level. Challenges such as lack of fencing the area and water shortage were noted. Irrigation facility management resides in the authority of the community chiefs and elders with basically labour support from community members. The study therefor concludes that irrigation contributes diversely to local economic development by creating employment opportunities in the dry seasons for farmers to earn income and enhance food access and availability for secured household food security. The study recommended very key that government should provide irrigational facilities District wide to enable farmers engage in dry season activities. Their awareness need to be created to get more of the educated youth involved.