Impacts of Small-Scale Irrigation Farming on the Environment Within the White Volta River Basin in the Bawku West District of Northern Ghana

Abstract

Dry-season irrigation farming plays a crucial role in enhancing food security, employment, and income for rural farmers. Northern Ghana experiences a long dry season, making irrigation farming essential for improving the socioeconomic conditions of smallholder farmers in the area. Despite these advantages, small-scale irrigation practices can have negative environmental effects. The White Volta River (WVR) is particularly affected by unsustainable farming practices that degrade water quality. The study assessed the ecological effects of small-scale irrigation farming along the WVR in the Bawku West District of Ghana. A cross-sectional, quantitative approach was used, with structured questionnaires given to farmers in five communities along the river. Participants were purposively selected based on the proximity of their farms to the river and how often they farmed throughout the year. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 20.0 and STATA 14.0. Results showed the main crops grown, including onions (40%), okra (20%), pepper (13%), leafy vegetables (9%), and fruit crops like watermelon (18%). Common land preparation methods included weeding with a hoe, chemical spraying, burning, creating sunken beds, and building ridges and earth bunds. Farmers mostly relied on self-managed flood irrigation systems. Environmental impacts identified included vegetation destruction and stunting, land degradation, gully erosion, siltation of riverbeds, and weed overgrowth. These issues are worsened by the area's dry conditions and the practice of continuous dry-season farming. The findings suggest that the WVR is under significant pressure due to increased irrigation activities. The study recommends reintroducing intensive extension services and targeted awareness programs to encourage environmentally sustainable farming practices among dry-season farmers.