Boubacar Barry

Smallholder shallow groundwater irrigation development in the upper east region of Ghana

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is paucity of information on the potential of groundwater resources. The limited available information paints a pessimistic view about groundwater resources. Due to its perceived inadequate availability, groundwater associated with domestic use and the potential for using it for agriculture are not well reflected in the national irrigation polices. Contrary to official pessimism, farmers do use groundwater for agriculture in many countries of sub-Saharan Africa including Ghana. This paper analyzes the current extent of use, economics, socioeconomic impacts, and constraints and opportunities of shallow groundwater irrigation based on the experiences of smallholders in the three micro-watersheds of the White Volta Basin in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

The Impact of Treadle Pump Irrigation Technology Adoption on Poverty in Ghana

Abstract Treadle pump (TP) technology has been promoted by Enterprise Works in West Africa as an alternative to the traditional rope and bucket irrigation. The aim is to improve output and incomes and reduce poverty among farm households. This paper reports a short term (two years) assessment of the dynamics of its adoption and impacts, with a special focus on poverty reduction. Data used were from primary surveys of adopters and non-adopters of treadle pumps in two regions of Ghana. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, budgetary and production function analysis. The results of the study reveal that time and labor savings for irrigation were the major attractive features of the treadle pump for those who adopted it. The difference in net income between adopters and non-adopters was about US

A review of in situ rainwater harvesting (RWH) practices modifying landscape functions in African drylands

393 per hectare, with an increase in land and labor productivities. About 21% stopped the use of the treadle pump because it broke down, while about 10% shifted to motorized pumping. The study shows that adoption of treadle pumps reduces poverty. It is recommended that increased collaboration with local institutions, such as extension services, will improve the transfer of treadle pump technology to farmers. After-sales service and training of farmers on repairs could reduce treadle pump abandonment. This paper is original as it compares the factors that affect adoption and non-adoption of treadle pumps. It also reveals reasons for abandonment. A multivariate analysis was used to examine the productivity impact of adoption.