Agricultural policy consultant Emmanuel Wullingdool has emphasized the urgent need for significant investment in irrigation infrastructure, particularly in the Upper East Region, stating that it is critical for ensuring food security and promoting sustainable farming practices.
“Basically, when it comes to irrigation facilities, you cannot ignore the element of investment,” he stated. “Investment is critical. I believe that is the missing link. We have not consciously invested enough to ensure that proper irrigation infrastructure is in place.”
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Wullingdool highlighted that efforts to improve farming resilience through irrigation have been inadequate due to limited investment. He cited the Pwalugu multipurpose dam as an example of a project that, if fully implemented, could have been transformative for northern Ghana. The dam was envisioned as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the northern part of the country, with the potential to provide extensive irrigation benefits.
In addressing challenges in irrigation farming, Mr. Wullingdool recommended focusing on improving existing infrastructure before initiating new projects. According to him, many of the recently constructed “One Village, One Dam” projects have proven to be inadequate, and he urged the government to prioritize expanding and fully utilizing these existing dams. By doing so, farmers would gain access to water for year-round production, mitigating the effects of climate change and enhancing food security.
“I think the best approach would be to improve the existing infrastructure first because many of the ‘One Village, One Dam’ projects have not been sustainable,” he said. “Without that, we know climate change is here with us, and it will continue to affect farming.”
Mr. Wullingdool further noted that currently, less than 10 percent of the region’s farming relies on irrigation, a figure he believes should be increased to 50 percent to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural system.
“How can we move this figure closer to 50 percent so that half of our farming is rain-fed and the other half is irrigation-based? That, for me, is the goal that can ensure food security while meeting the demands of the industry,” he explained.
The consultant also addressed other critical issues affecting farmers, including the need for improved extension services, better access to credit, and affordable farming inputs. While irrigation infrastructure is vital, he noted that farmers also require financial support and technical guidance to maximize its benefits. Additionally, he stressed the importance of fair pricing in agricultural products to ensure both producers and consumers benefit.
“Beyond infrastructure like dams, we must recognize that access to extension services and credit is essential,” he pointed out. “You can have a dam, but accessing its benefits requires financial resources. These are issues the government must prioritize; otherwise, we end up solving one problem while creating another.”
Mr. Wullingdool urged the government to address these concerns in the upcoming budget, emphasizing that without tackling these fundamental challenges, efforts to improve irrigation and farming infrastructure would be incomplete, potentially leading to further agricultural setbacks in the region.
“I believe these are urgent issues that need attention in this budget,” he concluded.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
