Performance Assessment of Irrigation Schemes in Northern Ghana

The study assessed the performance of irrigation schemes in Northern Ghana using comparative performance indicators. It was carried out in Tono, Vea, Doba, Libga, Bontanga and Golinga irrigation schemes in the Upper East and Northern Regions of Ghana. The performance for the years of 2010 - 2014 were evaluated using selected comparative indicators, classified into five (5) groups, namely; water delivery, physical structures, financial, environmental condition and agricultural production performance. The problems of the schemes were also identified. Field measurements, laboratory analysis, interviews and literature review were used for data collection. The study revealed that the flow lengths of the main canals at the Tono, Vea, Doba and Libga irrigation schemes have reduced due to low reservoir water levels and infrastructural deficiencies. The developed irrigable area in Tono, Vea and Doba was under-utilised with irrigation rates ranging from 8 - 54 % while that of Libga, Bontanga and Golinga was put to full capacity use with irrigation rates ranging from 91 - 100 %. Irrigation service charges recovery was poor in the Vea, Libga and Bontanga schemes.