Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
extension agents are the main channel of information flow between the
farmers and MOFA and vice versa.
MOFA has been involved in major water resources development projects in
the White Volta sub-basin such as the Upper East Region Land
Conservation and Smallhoder Rehabilitation Project (LACOSREP).
LACOSREP was an International Fund for Agricultural Development
(IFAD) funded project which supported the construction and rehabilitation
of small reservoirs and vegetable irrigation. MOFA has also been responsible
for ensuring increased crop production by promoting crop diversification, soil
conservation, exploring water harvesting techniques and promoting irrigation
technologies for farmers through pilot projects.
Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development: The Ministry of
Local Government and Rural Development was established by the Local
Government Act of 1993 (Act 462) with the prime aim to empower people to
participate in the development process and to have access to decentralized
services. This led to the formation of Metropolitan, Municipal and District
Assemblies (MMDAs). The MMDAs are the legislative and the
administrative branches at the MMDAs level. Since the MMDAs have the
authority for development planning at the local level, the decisions on the
investment for the infrastructure required for drinking water supply (bore
holes) and for irrigation (small dams, dugouts) have to be part of the
MMDAs Development Plans. Together with the respective line agencies, the
MMDAs are in charge of supporting the local communities in managing the
infrastructure for domestic water supply and for irrigation (Birner et al.,
2005).
Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA): GIDA is responsible for
irrigation development in Ghana. It is a semi-autonomous agency which
operates under MOFA. GIDA exercises management control over
government-developed irrigation dams, associated catchment areas and the
drainage areas.
The passing of Legislative Instrument LI 1350, in 1987, legalized and
streamlined the management role of GIDA and also incorporated farmer
participation in project management. GIDA provides technical expertise for
the construction and rehabilitation of dams. This includes both supervision
and construction. GIDA is also responsible for managing some of the major
dams developed by them. GIDA had in 2003, 22 formal irrigation schemes
under its jurisdiction. The small reservoirs developed by GIDA are
community managed. In the White Volta sub-basin, there are three large
irrigation schemes (Vea, Tono and Bontanga) developed under the
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