The government of Ghana has initiated a 175-hectare irrigation project at Anunuso Valley near Brofoyedru in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region. This project, part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), aims to provide reliable irrigation for at least 220 farmers from the Anunuso Rice Farmers’ Cooperative. By doing so, the project seeks to enhance agricultural productivity and food security in the region. The Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme is expected to significantly improve rice yields.
The project is anticipated to increase rice yields from 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare to five metric tonnes per hectare. With two cropping cycles annually, the scheme could produce about 1,750 metric tonnes of paddy, equivalent to roughly 1,100 metric tonnes of milled rice. This boost in production is expected to improve the livelihoods of farmers and contribute to Ghana's food security. The project will also generate employment opportunities, with about 100 jobs expected during construction and an estimated 2,500 jobs across the rice value chain once operational.
The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, officially commenced work on the Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme. He emphasized that the project aims to reduce farmers' reliance on rainfall and create conditions for more predictable agricultural production. The scheme aligns with the Feed Ghana Programme’s Irrigation for Wealth module, which seeks to enhance agricultural productivity through irrigation development. Mr. Opoku urged beneficiary farmers to collaborate with extension officers and prospective buyers to align production with market demand.
Minister Opoku stressed the importance of proper harvesting, drying, storage, and milling to enable locally produced rice to compete effectively in the market. He directed the contractor, Nathawo Investment Properties and Investment Limited, to adhere to approved specifications and deliver quality work. The Minister also called for strong supervision, prioritizing local participation, and prompt response to concerns from communities around the project. Furthermore, he appealed to traditional authorities, the Sekyere East District Assembly, and farmers to protect the water resources and catchment areas from encroachment, pollution, and erosion.
The Anunuso scheme is part of a broader FSRP intervention targeting 4,800 hectares of irrigation and inland valley development. The programme covers several irrigation systems and inland valley enclaves, including Kpong, Tanoso, Vea, and Weta. The Minister noted that the success of the investment would be measured by whether farmers could plan their production with greater certainty, increase their harvests, and improve their incomes sustainably. Consultations are ongoing to address concerns raised by traditional authorities regarding land agreements for the project.
The project's implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and improving farmers' incomes. The Minister's call for strong supervision and local participation underscores the government's commitment to ensuring the project's success. By protecting water resources and catchment areas, stakeholders can help ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. The Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme is a significant step towards achieving Ghana's agricultural development goals.
The project's commencement marks a crucial milestone in Ghana's efforts to enhance food security and agricultural productivity. With the government's support, farmers in the Anunuso Valley are expected to benefit significantly from the irrigation scheme. The project's success will depend on effective implementation, strong supervision, and collaboration among stakeholders. Key aspects of the project include its potential to improve rice yields, generate employment, and contribute to Ghana's food security.
Key points
- The project aims to increase rice yields from 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare to five metric tonnes per hectare.
- The scheme could produce about 1,750 metric tonnes of paddy annually, equivalent to roughly 1,100 metric tonnes of milled rice.
- The project is expected to generate about 100 jobs during construction and an estimated 2,500 jobs across the rice value chain once fully operational.
