Examining Smallholder Farmers’ Perceptions of Irrigation Access: Evidence from South and North Tongu Districts of the Volta Region, Ghana (Published)
Past studies demonstrate that smallholder farmers perceive irrigation access as an infrastructure and socio-economic constraint. Cultural norms, prevailing local agricultural practices, historical and personal experiences influence farmers’ perceptions of irrigation access. In Ghana, especially in the Volta Region, the case is similar. However, some studies found that smallholder farmers’ perceptions of irrigation depend on the geographical location of farms, farm size, access and proximity to water sources, and socio-economic status. Other studies examined farmers’ irrigation infrastructure and water management needs from technical perspectives in the Volta Region. However, there are limited studies on the perceptions and needs of farmers who directly depend on these irrigation systems. This study examined smallholder farmers’ perceptions of irrigation access and needs in Ghana’s Volta Region. A structured questionnaire survey was randomly administered among 282 smallholder farmers in South and North Tongu Districts from January to February 2024 to establish their perceptions of irrigation access and needs. The data was analyzed using SPSS and Excel, and we correlated respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics with their irrigation access to understand the factors influencing farmers’ perceptions. Our study further employed diffusion of innovations and planned behavior theories to explain farmers’ irrigation access. We found that those respondents (68%) who irrigated their farms did not have consistent and sufficient irrigation water access. Only 32% accessed enough irrigation water. Overall, respondents (74%) perceived inadequate infrastructure as the main reason for unreliable irrigation water access. Some respondents (68%) said it was difficult to access irrigation water because water sources were not close enough. Even the cost of connecting irrigation ditches to farms (93%) and the energy/electricity cost of pumping water (89%) were high. Respondents (89%) perceived that irrigation requires additional maintenance costs, and they did not have enough funds to implement it. As such, irrigation was reserved for the rich in society. Theoretically, individual farmers might adopt new technologies or practices over time. Farmers’ behavior is determined by intention, which is influenced by attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Household income, education, and gender influenced farmers’ perceptions of irrigation access. The study used the diffusion of innovations theory to explain how farmers’ perception of irrigation is influenced by relative benefits, compatibility with existing practices, and visibility among peers. It also highlighted how attitudes, and social pressure influenced adoption. The findings suggest that incorporating a water access strategy into the districts’ development plans can improve infrastructure and farmers’ resilience.
Keywords: Ghana, Perceptions, Smallholder Farmers, Volta region, irrigation access