AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION SCHEMES ON LIVELIHOODS AND POVERTY REDUCTION IN THE UPPER EAST REGION OF GHANA

Author Name: 1. Letitia Sampoa Apam 2. Mr. Karim Fusheini

Volume/Issue: 02/07

Country: Africa

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/12.2021-59373858/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Department of Planning, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, West-Africa
2. GIMPA Business School, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, Greenhill- Accra, Ghana, West-Africa

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this research was to assess the impact of small-scale irrigation schemes on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers towards poverty reduction in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The focus is on small-scale irrigation that is practised, controlled, and managed by the farmers in their way. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used in the investigation of the impact of the scheme on rural livelihoods. A sample of 300 respondents made up of smallholder farmers was selected using random sampling. Data was collected using interviews, questionnaires, and observation. Analyses were done using descriptive statistics. Tables and were employed in the presentation and analysis. The findings of the study revealed that irrigation affects the living conditions of smallholder farmers towards improving yields, expanding the length of employment, reducing hunger gaps, and at the meso level affects food prices, migration, and community asset building including roads. The outcome of the study serves as an input to policymakers and stakeholders concerned with developing semi-arid areas of the savannah on strategies to promote and improve small-scale irrigation farming to contribute to incomes, food security, and employment sustainably.

Key words: Food Security, Impact, Livelihood Diversification, Small Scale Irrigation