THE EFFECT OF CLIMATE VARIABILITY ON SMALL-SCALE IRRIGATION FARMERS IN THE SISSALA WEST DISTRICT, NORTHERN GHANA

The government of Ghana and Non-governmental Organizations have constructed a number of small scale irrigation dams and dug-outs in the Sissala West District of the Upper West Region. The purpose of the small scale irrigation dams is to give irrigation farmers access to enough water during the dry season. The variation of rainfall and high temperatures poses serious threat to dams, hence making it difficult for the reservoirs to have enough water for irrigation activities. The study investigated the effects of climate variability on small scale irrigation farmers and irrigation facilities in the Sissala West District. Mixed methods were adopted by combining both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection of which questionnaire and focus group discussions were used. The findings indicate that irrigation farmers had low yields, loss of investment and low income due to variation of rainfall, capacities of reservoirs and types of irrigation systems affect sustainability of irrigation activities. The study identified that water scarcity and low levels in reservoirs are important factors responsible for underutilization of irrigation facilities. Small scale irrigation farmers are constrained by low water levels, broken pipes, lack of canals and continuous decline in the amount of water in the reservoirs hinder the cultivation of crops and vegetables. To sustain the level of water in reservoirs, maintain irrigation facilities and improve strategies employed by small-scale irrigation farmers, the study recommends planting of trees around reservoirs; checking erosion, reduce evaporation and siltation, educating farmers on the need to protect irrigation dams, involving farmers in the design process of dams, government through the District assemblies supporting the rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation schemes and monitoring and supervising all small-scale irrigation schemes in the District.