Water for a food-secure world Implementing agricultural water improvements in challenging contexts: Ghana 12 September 2012

Water for a food-secure world Focus of IFAD investments: Ghana Upper East Region Land Conversation and Rehabilitation Project Upper West Agricultural Development Project Northern Region Poverty Reduction Program Northern Rural Growth Program

Water for a food-secure world What are the challenges? Policy development, gap in implementation Data: access and quality Decentralization Technical design Community engagement

Water for a food-secure world Development and AWM challenges Selection of sites: needs and factors Low capacity of contractors Low capacity in finance and admin Delay in payments from development partners Poor exit strategy (incomplete projects, transfer) Low capacity to deliver services Lack of coordination between MoFA and GIDA Lack of data, inaccessible research results

Water for a food-secure world District level challenges Partisanship at local level Accountability upwards Sub-structures of decentralization not created Neglect of agriculture at local level Lack of expertise in agricultural water at district level

Water for a food-secure world Community Level Challenges on Schemes Watershed management – lack of compliance Upstream management: siltation Maintenance: WUA fees do not cover, low capacity of WUAs for O & M Incomplete construction – supervision of contractors Design challenges: capacity for O&M, multiple uses, livestock incursion into irrigated fields

Water for a food-secure world Community Level Challenges Land tenure: seasonal user rights Gender, participation and decision-making Profitability challenges: – Market access and low prices for commodities – High cost of and lack of access to inputs – Small plot size – Appropriateness of investments in agricultural water (reservoirs, water lifting options)

Water for a food-secure world Community cited benefits of irrigation schemes Increased food security Higher cash income Livestock benefit Decrease in outward migration rates Off-season work Multiple use benefits

Water for a food-secure world Recommendations Policy consultation, coordination, advocacy Improving procurement, financial administration: building capacity, awareness Project design: site selection, community engagement, O & M capacity levels, multiple use, integrated components, longer time Extension service capacity strengthening Strengthening SAKSS for research and data Community engagement