More than 30 farmers in the Konjiehi community in the Wa Municipality are set to benefit from a new drip irrigation facility aimed at promoting year-round farming, improving incomes and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The facility, constructed under the FOSTERING Project, is expected to help farmers overcome the challenges posed by climate change, particularly unreliable rainfall patterns and prolonged dry seasons, while strengthening food production in the community.
The irrigation system includes a fenced farming area, a mechanised water supply structure and drip irrigation lines designed to support efficient water use and increase agricultural productivity.
The project was implemented by Community Aid for Rural Development (CARD)-Ghana in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ).
At the handing-over ceremony, Executive Director of CARD-Ghana, Mr Al-hassan Hudi, said the intervention was designed not only to support farmers but also to improve the economic prospects of their families and future generations.
He explained that beneficiaries had received training in entrepreneurship and livelihood development to ensure they could effectively manage the facility and maximise its benefits.
“This intervention is not only for over 30 beneficiary farmers. The benefits will extend to their households, their children and future generations within the community,” he said.
Mr Hudi urged community members to take ownership of the facility, protect it from damage and work together to ensure it contributes to long-term economic development.
The Chief of Konjiehi, Naa Yakubu Hashim, welcomed the project, describing it as a major boost to agricultural activities in the area.
He said access to a reliable water source would allow farmers to cultivate crops throughout the year, increase household earnings and provide employment opportunities for young people.
According to him, creating viable economic opportunities within the community would help reduce the pressure on young people to embark on irregular migration in search of livelihoods elsewhere.
The Chief of Mission of IOM Ghana, Togo and Benin, Ms Fatou Diallo Ndiaye, said the project reflected the importance of sustainable livelihood programmes in addressing migration challenges.
She noted that the initiative would support both returnees and members of host communities by promoting inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic activities.
Ms Ndiaye reaffirmed IOM’s commitment to supporting livelihood interventions aligned with government priorities and aimed at reducing irregular migration among young people.
A Technical Advisor at GIZ, Ms Ruth Mansah Mensah, described the facility as a demonstration of partnership and resilience, stressing that its success would depend on proper maintenance and effective use by beneficiaries.
In a speech read on his behalf, Wa Municipal Chief Executive Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana said the irrigation project represented a practical response to the impact of climate change on agriculture.
He said the facility would enable farmers to diversify production, improve incomes and build resilience against climate-related challenges.
As part of the intervention, beneficiary farmers were also provided with farm toolkits, including wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, watering cans and other agricultural inputs to support their farming activities.
The partners expressed optimism that the project would contribute to improved livelihoods, stronger local economies and reduced youth migration pressures in the Konjiehi community.
