Greener Journal of Agricultural Sciences

Greener Journal of  Agricultural Sciences Vol. 3 (4), pp. 271-279, April 2013.

 ISSN: 2276-7770 

Research Paper

Manuscript Number: 103012171

 

Willingness to Pay for Improved Water for Farming in the Upper East Region of Ghana

 

Baidoo I.¹, Ramatu M. Al-Hassan²,

Asuming-Brempong S.², Osei-Akoto I.³

and Asante F. A.³

 

¹ Biotechnology & Nuclear Agriculture Research Institute (BNARI), Ghana Atomic Energy Commission.

² Department of Agricultural Economics & agribusiness, University of Ghana, Legon.

³ Institute of Statistical, Social & Economic Research, University of Ghana Legon.

 

Corresponding Author’s Email: baidus@ yahoo. com

Abstract:

This study examined irrigation practices in the Upper East Region of Ghana and assessed farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improved access to irrigation water. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze expenditures associated with existing irrigation methods, while a logistic regression model was used to estimate WTP for system improvements. The predominant irrigation techniques identified were gravity-fed motorized pumps and hand-watering with buckets, practiced mainly in both the rainy and dry seasons. Results showed that about 80% of respondents expressed willingness to pay for enhanced irrigation systems. Based on these findings, it is recommended that the government consider subsidizing fertilizer prices, as this input is commonly used in conjunction with irrigation. Furthermore, development agencies and other stakeholders should support the upgrading of existing irrigation infrastructure, with the potential to recover part of the investment cost through water charges, given farmers’ demonstrated readiness to contribute financially.
 
Key words: Improved, Water, Willingness, Pay, Agricultural, Activities.

Return to Content  View  Reprint (PDF) (436KB)