The Dasobligo community in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region is grappling with a growing crisis due to the deteriorating state of its dam and irrigation system. According to the Assembly Member for the area, Alex Asina Anongduknaba, the once-thriving dam that served as a critical water source for farming has seen its canals fall into disrepair, leading to the widespread abandonment of agricultural activities in the area.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the assembly member noted that currently, only about 25 individuals remain engaged with the dam, while many others have sought alternative livelihoods. Some have resorted to tapping water from the Red Volta River to pursue dry season farming using machines, while others have turned to illegal mining, also known as galamsey. Many young people, faced with limited farming opportunities after the rainy season, have migrated to other regions in search of work.
“Currently, we have about 25 people who are still working there. Others have moved to the forest to tap water from the Red Volta. They use machines for dry season farming instead of utilizing the water available in the community.”
Mr. Anongduknaba called on government bodies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to help repair the broken canals and extend them beyond their current boundaries to reach more agricultural land. Such interventions, he believes, would enable farmers to engage in dry season farming, allowing them to cultivate not only vegetables but also early maize.
“My request is that if we could have donors, maybe NGOs or the government, come to our aid to first of all repair the broken canals and extend them far beyond the current boundary. This would provide access to ready lands that can be used for dry season farming, benefiting the farmers.”
Mr. Anongduknaba also highlighted the dire situation facing the youth in the region. With only one farming season, many are left without work after the rainy season, often driving them to illegal activities like galamsey. By revitalizing the dam and improving the irrigation system, the community could offer sustainable agricultural opportunities, reducing the need for young people to seek out dangerous and unregulated work.
The assembly member emphasized that if the necessary infrastructure improvements are made, they could transform the local economy, benefiting not only the farmers but also the wider community. However, he stressed that external support is crucial for this to happen, as the district faces significant financial constraints.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
