Irrigation as a Climate Adaptation Strategy: Evidence from Rice Farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

In this era of climate change and variability, irrigation is essential for sustainable food production. This study examines the impact of irrigation use on rice production among 380 rice farmers in the Volta Region of Ghana. A multistage sampling procedure was employed, and data were analysed using multiple regression and an endogenous switching regression model to account for selection bias. The results show that irrigation use significantly and positively influences both rice yield and profitability. Other significant factors include farm size, access to credit, household size, membership in farmer-based organisations, agricultural extension services, and access to Climate Information Services (CIS). Irrigation increased yield by 0.85 units and profitability by 0.76 units. The models demonstrated good explanatory power, with R-squared values of 0.390 for yield and 0.521 for profitability. Greater yield variation was observed among irrigators than non-irrigators. The endogenous switching regression confirms the presence of selection bias and identifies irrigation cost and farmer-based organisation membership as key determinants of yields among non-irrigators, while household size and years of formal education drive yields among irrigators. The study concludes that improving access to irrigation and complementary services can significantly enhance rice production outcomes. It recommends increased investment in irrigation infrastructure, targeted credit schemes, strengthened farmer organisations, improved extension services, and enhanced access to climate information services to boost productivity, profitability, and resilience.