An evaluation of small-scale irrigation schemes infrastructure

Abstract

The development and management of irrigation in many developing countries have been characterized by many challenges, which have led to irrigation capacity utilization on some existing schemes being very low. This study assesses small-scale irrigation scheme infrastructure in the Upper West Region of Ghana, using Yeleyiri irrigation scheme in the Wa West District and Pulima irrigation scheme in the Sissala West District as case studies. The focus of the assessment was on the status and an analysis of the rehabilitation requirements of the two schemes. In conducting the evaluation, transect walks, topographic surveys, field observation, field measurement, interviews, focused group discussions, and questionnaire surveys were the approaches and methodology adopted. The results showed that the head works, slopes, inlet and outlet structures, water distribution systems, and drainage in both schemes were in a deplorable state and thus, required maintenance to ensure the optimization of the utilization of both schemes. In addition, the absence of a farmhouse and storage facilities in both schemes made the effective management of the schemes a major challenge. The study, therefore, proposes some interventions for the rehabilitation and efficient optimization of the two small-scale irrigation schemes.