A farmer in Cape Coast has lost an entire two-acre cabbage investment after the pipe-borne water supply used to irrigate the farm stopped flowing for months, exposing the vulnerability of agricultural production to water shortages as Ghana faces the prospect of prolonged dry conditions.
Dr. Frank Ackah, a crop scientist and lecturer at the University of Cape Coast (UCC), said the farmer had been unable to sustain production because the water supply feeding the farm had been interrupted.
“For months, water has not been flowing, and they have lost their investment,” he said.
The incident comes after flooding earlier in the year destroyed farmlands, leaving some farmers to recover from one weather-related disruption as another threatens their production.
“We had a serious flood at the beginning of the year, and a lot of farmlands were washed away,” he said.
The combination of flooding and anticipated dry conditions exposes the difficulties of farming in an environment where production remains heavily dependent on seasonal rainfall and access to reliable water supplies. Farmers without irrigation infrastructure have limited options when these sources fail, putting entire investments at risk.
Food Supply and Prices at Risk
The effects of water shortages could extend beyond farms to local markets, where reduced harvests may limit food availability and increase prices.
Water shortages have also affected households, with taps in parts of the country reportedly remaining dry for months. This creates additional difficulties for farmers who depend on public water supply, particularly those without independent irrigation systems.
Dr. Ackah warned that prolonged dry conditions could reduce food supplies and increase the cost of food for consumers.
“There is a likelihood that there will be food shortages, and even if not, food prices will be high because there will be little food on the market,” he said.
The financial losses could also undermine farmers’ ability to fund subsequent planting seasons, extending the impact beyond a single harvest.
Farmers Urged to Adjust Production
Dr. Ackah advised farmers to invest in alternative water sources, including deeper wells, while commercial growers operating close to rivers should consider acquiring pumps for irrigation.
He noted that second-hand water pumps are readily available on the market, offering farmers a more affordable option.
He also recommended changes in crop selection, particularly during the minor rainy season, when inadequate rainfall can affect maize production at critical stages.
Maize farmers, he advised, should intercrop with cassava to reduce the risk of losing their entire investment when rainfall becomes insufficient.
He encouraged farmers to diversify their production and adopt intercropping practices to reduce the risk of losing their entire harvest during prolonged dry conditions. He also suggested exploring vegetable cultivation in wetlands where conditions permit.
Questions Over National Preparedness
Dr. Ackah also questioned Ghana’s level of preparedness for the anticipated dry conditions, citing gaps in public awareness and farmer education on how to manage prolonged water shortages.
“I don’t see that we are prepared for it,” he said.
He called for universities, agricultural research institutions and government agencies to work together to educate farmers on water conservation, alternative irrigation methods and crop choices that can withstand dry conditions.
He also highlighted the lack of dedicated budgetary provisions for farmer education, stressing the need for practical training to reach farming communities before water shortages begin affecting production.
Households, meanwhile, were advised to preserve food through appropriate storage methods and secure alternative water sources by harvesting rainwater or drilling boreholes where feasible.
He also encouraged households with available space to establish home gardens to supplement their food supplies.
The experience of the Cape Coast farmer illustrates how an interruption in water supply can quickly translate into lost agricultural investment. Without better access to irrigation, alternative water sources and practical support for farmers, similar disruptions could have consequences for food production and prices beyond the affected farming communities.
