Kpong Irrigation Scheme: Pioneering Sustainable Agriculture
The Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), with support from the World Bank and ECOWAS, has signed a $22.5 million contract to modernize the Kpong Irrigation Scheme (KIS) in the Greater Accra Region. The project, which covers approximately 1,000 hectares, is part of a broader effort to bolster agricultural productivity, food security, and climate-smart farming practices in Ghana.
FSRP’s Operations Manager, Philip Daniel Laryea, highlighted the project’s components during a site presentation. The scope includes rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure, revising Ghana’s National Irrigation Policy, and developing a five-year Strategic Action Plan to ensure sustainable management of public irrigation schemes.
Additionally, feasibility studies, Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), and dam safety evaluations are underway for three other irrigation projects covering 2,000 hectares. Inland valley development also features prominently, with feasibility studies completed for 20 floodplain sites totaling 7,000 hectares.
Achievements and Future Goals
The KIS project builds on the successes of the Ghana Commercial Agriculture Project (GCAP), which invested $62 million to rehabilitate 6,500 hectares of irrigated land, including 3,300 hectares at the Kpong Left Bank Irrigation Scheme (KLBIS). Under GCAP, rice productivity reached six tonnes per hectare. With the current FSRP initiative, stakeholders aim to increase this yield to seven tonnes per hectare, demonstrating optimal use of resources.
The project also addresses Ghana’s dependence on rice imports by scaling up domestic production. According to the World Bank Regional Vice President for West and Central Africa, Ousmane Diagana, achieving these goals could redirect funds toward critical infrastructure while creating jobs and enhancing food security.
Challenges and Financial Needs
Despite its progress, the FSRP initiative requires an additional $30 million to complete all identified schemes. This funding gap emphasizes the need for continued government and international support to achieve the program’s full potential.
Broader Implications for Agriculture in Ghana
The modernization of the KIS serves as a model for integrating advanced irrigation techniques with sustainable farming practices. By enhancing infrastructure, promoting regional collaboration, and fostering private investment, the project is poised to transform Ghana’s agricultural landscape.
The World Bank’s support extends beyond agriculture. Efforts to reform Ghana’s energy sector, including privatizing electricity distribution, aim to create a sustainable and inclusive framework that benefits consumers and attracts investors.
The $22.5 million modernization of the Kpong Irrigation Scheme represents a pivotal step in Ghana’s agricultural evolution. By focusing on irrigation, climate-smart practices, and regional collaboration, the FSRP initiative addresses pressing challenges while laying the foundation for a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. With adequate funding and continued innovation, Ghana has the potential to become a regional leader in food production and economic growth.
