The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, has initiated the development of the Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region. This project, part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP), aims to add 175 hectares of irrigable land to Ghana's agricultural capacity. The scheme is expected to benefit at least 220 farmers from the Anunuso Rice Farmers' Cooperative.
The Anunuso irrigation scheme aligns with the Feed Ghana Programme's Irrigation for Wealth module, which seeks to improve water management and enhance farmers' productivity. According to the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, the project could increase rice yields from 2.5 metric tonnes per hectare to 5 metric tonnes per hectare. With two successful cropping cycles annually, the developed area could produce approximately 1,750 metric tonnes of paddy, translating into about 1,100 metric tonnes of milled rice each year.
The project is expected to create employment opportunities across the rice value chain. During construction, about 100 jobs will be created, and when fully operational, approximately 2,500 employment opportunities will be available. These opportunities will span land preparation, farming, harvesting, milling, transportation, input supply, and trading. The Minister urged the Anunuso Rice Farmers' Cooperative to work closely with agricultural extension officers and prospective buyers to ensure production is guided by market demand.
To ensure the project's success, the Minister emphasized the importance of quality production, timely harvesting, proper drying, storage, and efficient milling. He called on technical teams to provide farmers with necessary extension support, including guidance on improved seeds, soil fertility, pest management, and efficient water use. The Minister also appealed to traditional authorities and other stakeholders to continue consultations on the land agreements governing the project.
The Ministry's legal team is considering concerns raised by traditional authorities regarding the draft land agreement, ensuring adequate consultation throughout the process. The contractor, Nathawo Investment Properties and Investment Limited, has been directed to ensure quality workmanship and strict compliance with approved specifications. The Minister also urged the contractor and supervising teams to encourage local participation and respond promptly to concerns from surrounding communities.
The broader FSRP intervention targets the rehabilitation or development of 4,800 hectares, comprising 3,700 hectares across four irrigation systems and 1,100 hectares across four inland valley enclaves. The Minister expressed appreciation to traditional authorities for releasing land for the project and commended farmers in Brofoyedru, Anunuso, Nkwankwanua, and Awaham for their cooperation. The ultimate measure of the investment will be whether farmers can plan their production with greater certainty, increase their harvests, and achieve sustainable improvements in their incomes.
The sod-cutting ceremony marked the official commencement of the Anunuso Water Conservation Scheme's development. The Minister performed the sod-cutting, signifying the start of the project. The government's efforts aim to reduce farmers' dependence on unreliable rainfall and increase food production throughout the year. The project's success will be crucial in achieving these goals and improving the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
Key points
- The project aims to increase rice yields and create employment opportunities across the rice value chain.
- The Anunuso irrigation scheme is part of the West Africa Food System Resilience Programme (FSRP) and aligns with the Feed Ghana Programme's Irrigation for Wealth module.
- The project will benefit at least 220 farmers from the Anunuso Rice Farmers' Cooperative and add 175 hectares of irrigable land to Ghana's agricultural capacity.
