MoFA to construct small earth dams, rehabilitate irrigation schemes

1. Intervention for Food Security: A food security intervention in Ghana aims to create 45,000 direct and indirect jobs by producing cereals and vegetables, projecting an annual income of GH¢489 million. The World Bank funds the irrigation schemes, supervised by the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), a MoFA agency.

2. Earth Dams and Irrigation: GIDA designed 19 small earth dams in 2023 and handed over seven sites for construction. Twelve more sites are being finalized. These dams will support year-round agriculture, livestock, and aquaculture. GIDA is also conducting site selection and design for 35 more sites in various regions for construction in 2024-2025.

3. Rehabilitation of Irrigation Schemes: GIDA is providing technical support for the rehabilitation of three irrigation schemes in Weta, Kpong, and Tanoso. These schemes aim to develop 880, 4,400, and 120 hectares of irrigable land, respectively, providing jobs and producing rice and vegetables valued at GH¢324.56 million annually.

4. Water Supply and Irrigation Projects: GIDA supervises the rehabilitation of the Vea water supply dam and an irrigation project in the Bongo District. The Vea dam annually distributes 1.64 million cubic meters of water, supporting rice and vegetable production valued at GH¢211.03 million.

5. Green Energy Integration: To maximize profits, GIDA advocates for integrating alternative energy sources like solar into irrigation schemes. Two solar-grid energy projects have been piloted at Aveyime and Dawhenya irrigation schemes, resulting in reduced monthly energy bills.

Overall, these interventions aim to enhance food security, create jobs, and increase agricultural productivity in Ghana while incorporating sustainable energy practices.