Ghana is set to benefit from a significant boost in irrigation infrastructure as the World Bank pledges an additional $30 million to the country’s Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP). The funding aims to bridge a critical gap in the program, enabling the modernization of irrigation schemes, increasing agricultural productivity, and strengthening food security.
The commitment was announced by Ousmane Diagana, the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for West and Central Africa, during his visit to the Kpong Irrigation Scheme and the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation System. Diagana emphasized the importance of sustainable investments in agriculture, noting that the sector is vital for job creation, income generation, and national development.
Irrigation: Unlocking Ghana’s Agricultural Potential
Despite Ghana’s 1.9 million hectares of irrigable land, only about 1.6% is currently equipped for irrigation, far below the West and Central African regional average of 13.9%. This underutilization has constrained agricultural productivity, limiting the country’s ability to achieve food self-sufficiency and respond to climate shocks.
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The FSRP, with support from the World Bank, has already contributed $22.5 million toward modernizing irrigation schemes, and the new funding pledge will help complete projects that are transforming agricultural productivity.
Diagana highlighted the success of ongoing irrigation initiatives at Asutuare and Kpong, where current productivity levels are reaching six tonnes per hectare. He noted that the best performing plots are approaching seven tonnes per hectare, demonstrating efficient use of resources and the potential for large-scale agricultural transformation.
FSRP: Building Resilience and Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
The Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP) focuses on adaptive mobility, sustainable interventions, and strengthening vulnerable households, communities, and farmers against shocks in food production. By improving irrigation systems, the program ensures that farmers have reliable access to water, which is essential for enhancing crop yields and reducing dependency on imported staples such as rice, maize, and vegetables.
Osei Owusu Agyeman, FSRP Project Coordinator, emphasized that the program is designed to empower farmers and promote sustainable agricultural practices that can withstand climate variability and economic pressures.
Empowering Youth, Women, and Agribusiness
The irrigation projects have already yielded socio-economic benefits for local communities. Priscilla Adom Tawiah, Secretary of the Investors Cooperative at the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation System, highlighted how the initiatives have created opportunities for youth and women in agriculture. She called for affordable funding and matching grants to scale agricultural enterprises, accelerate business growth, and transform regions like the Left Bank into potential agribusiness tourism hubs.
“These projects have brought economic development to the people,” she said, stressing the importance of expanding access to financial resources to unlock the full potential of local farmers and agripreneurs.
The Strategic Importance of Irrigation Investment
Ghana’s geographic location as a gateway to West Africa makes it well-positioned to expand agricultural exports. By modernizing irrigation and promoting high-yield farming, the country can strengthen food security, increase export capacity, and create a resilient agricultural ecosystem.
The $30 million pledge from the World Bank underscores the international community’s confidence in Ghana’s agricultural sector and its potential to transform the economy. Strategic irrigation investment is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers.
Conclusion From The High Street Business
With targeted support from the World Bank and ongoing domestic initiatives, Ghana’s irrigation systems are poised for a transformative leap. By increasing productivity, empowering local communities, and strengthening food security, these projects signal a new era of sustainable agriculture in Ghana.
The commitment of international partners, coupled with domestic focus on adaptive farming and resource-efficient irrigation, positions Ghana to achieve a more resilient, productive, and self-sufficient agricultural sector in the coming years.
FAQs
1. What is the World Bank’s $30 million commitment for?
The funds will help close the financing gap in Ghana’s Food Systems Resilience Programme, modernizing irrigation systems to enhance agricultural productivity and food security.
2. How much of Ghana’s land is currently irrigated?
Out of an estimated 1.9 million hectares of irrigable land, only about 1.6% is equipped for irrigation, which is far below the regional average.
3. Which irrigation projects are benefiting from this support?
Major projects include the Kpong Irrigation Scheme, Kpong Left Bank Irrigation System, and Asutuare, which are showing significant productivity gains.
4. How does irrigation improve food security?
Irrigation ensures consistent water supply for crops, increases yields, reduces reliance on rain-fed agriculture, and allows Ghana to reduce imports of rice, maize, and vegetables.
5. Who benefits from these projects?
Local farmers, youth, and women engaged in agriculture benefit directly, gaining income opportunities, access to modern farming methods, and potential for agribusiness growth.
Source: The High Street Business
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