Water mismanagement, bane of agriculture in Ghana- Abu Sakara
Agricultural economist Dr. Michael Abu Sakara has emphasized the critical issue of water mismanagement as a significant factor hampering Ghana’s agricultural potential.
Dr. Sakara’s insights draw attention to a fundamental resource that underpins agricultural productivity, water, and the dire consequences of its mismanagement in the country.
Dr. Michael Abu Sakara who shared some insights into Ghana’s development issues on Zed in the morning show emphasized that Ghana’s mismanagement of its water resources is a key factor in the declining state of its agricultural sector.
He emphasized the crucial role of water in agriculture as an undeniable element in enabling irrigation and supporting livestock sustenance.
Dr. Sakara highlighted that, despite having limited water resources, Ghana’s neighbor has effectively managed its supply to significantly boost agricultural production to exportable levels.
He emphasized the need for Ghana to adopt similar strategies to revitalize its agricultural industry.
“It is important to note that this country is blessed with so much water. Our ability to control it so that it is available when we need it is our problem Other than that, we have more water than we can manage. That is why anytime there is small rain there is flood and we are the same people complaining about drought tomorrow. All that means is that we have not been able to control the water before they end up in the sea”
He emphasized that the ability to control these water resources effectively before they enter the sea provides the leverage for it to be used sustainably.
He referred neighbouring Burkina Faso which has managed its water resources into effective irrigation systems for vegetable production.
“Just cross the border into Burkina where they have been controlling their water and have a more irrigated land than us and therefore that’s why you buy your tomatoes and your onions from there. It is cheaper because they have also fixed their frameworks for systems for capital and others. So it is not just a question of the physical production itself, but the cost of controlling that water and how you do it strategically is what will give you the advantages”
Dr. Sakara emphasized the importance of strategic water management as a cornerstone of sustainable agricultural development. By controlling water resources effectively before they enter the sea, Ghana could leverage them to boost agricultural productivity
. “The cost of controlling that water and how you do it strategically is what will give you the advantages,” he remarked, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that includes not only physical water management but also the establishment of supportive frameworks for capital and infrastructure.
