Assessing Performance of Irrigation of Rice in Ghana

Abstract

Rice irrigation schemes in Ghana number up to 22 yet their output is so low that it creates a huge consumption deficit leading to huge rice import bill, over 500 million dollars per year. The management of these schemes has been noted with poor record keeping and high operational and maintenance cost. Some schemes are extremely neglected due to lack of active stakeholder participation. The rice irrigation capacity utilization in the existing schemes is unsatisfactorily, the reasons for the current situation are indicated as poor management practices, lack of governmental support to promote the scheme and heavy dependence on natural rainfall. Rainfall is unpredictable, a situation which is a draw back on existing rice irrigation schemes. For a complete self-sufficiency, rice irrigation practices must be seen in its right perspective to ensure the success of the schemes and become integral variable in the national economy