Indigenous irrigated production in S E Ghana: Lessons for the design of small holder irrigation schemes

This paper describes a system of indigenous irrigated production in S.E. Ghana and, more briefly, two irrigation schemes. It draws attention to the adaptation of cultivation practices to local ecological and climatic conditions in the indigenous system. The variety of tenure and other community arrangements providing access to land, labor and financial resources are also described. The ability of this system to adjust to deteriorating national economic conditions, and forms of adjustment are noted. Aspects of organization of the two development schemes are described, particularly to examine extent of farmer involvement. This is found to be constrained, leading to doubts on the viability of these projects or their benefit to small holders and government. (author)