FACTORS AFFECTING FARMERS WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR IMPROVED IRRIGATION SERVICE: A CASE STUDY OF BONTANGA IRRIGATION SCHEME IN NORTHERN GHANA

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to examine factors affecting farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved irrigation services at the Bontanga Irrigation Scheme. There are 13 communities in the scheme’s catchment area of which Six (6) communities were randomly selected and 113 farmers interviewed with a semi structure questionnaire. Contingent Valuation Technique was adopted to estimate farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved irrigation services. The mean WTP for improved irrigation per ha per season was GHS 22.92 ($10.51), far below the GHS 50.00 ($22.94) proposed by management. The study found age and maintenance culture of irrigation facilities to be significant in influencing farmers’ willingness to pay at 10% significant level. Also on-scheme income as ratio of household income and off-scheme income were significant in influencing farmers’ willingness to pay at both 5% and 10% level of significance. The study recommends that any proposed increase in Irrigation Service Charges (ISCs) should be taken into consideration the mean WTP of 22.92GHS. Also, management of the scheme should put in place a comprehensive routine maintenance for facilities within the scheme to ensure regular delivery of water to merit farmers increase financial commitment towards sustainable management of the irrigation scheme.