Re-operating large dams to benefit all -- experiences from Akosombo and Kpong dams in Ghana

- Large dams affect upstream and downstream ecosystems and livelihoods - Dam reoperation can in principle reintroduce a near natural flow regime while increasing overall annual hydropower production but it requires significant adjustments elsewhere to cope with the seasonal variability in energy supply - The feasibility of reoperating a dam is therefore dependent on a balance of trade-offs between technical, economic and social benefits and challenges - For the Akosombo and Kpong dams, reoperation is not economically and socially feasible, it is therefore more cost effective to focus instead on improving alternative livelihood source

Quantification of surface and groundwater resources in the Anyari watershed of the Upper East Region in Ghana

United States Agency for International Developmen

Water availability for dry season irrigation in the Anayari watershed in Ghana

United States Agency for International Developmen

Smallholder irrigation productivity for sustainable intensification: Water balances for high value crops in northern Ghana

United States Agency for International Developmen

The significance of small reservoirs in sustaining agricultural landscapes in dry areas of West Africa : A review

Water scarcity is a growing challenge in semi-arid and sub-humid areas. There are over 2000 small reservoirs (SRs) with storage capacities of up to 1 × 106 m3 across West Africa’s dry areas. Based on a comprehensive literature review, we found strong evidence that SRs enable improved food security, livelihoods, and income diversification through fishing and livestock production. However, their productivity is far below their potential. Evidence on water quantity and quality is scattered, making deriving conclusions difficult. Review findings suggest that, unlike large dams, SRs have minimal impact on water balance and rainfall-runoff. There is, therefore, considerable potential to develop more SRs. However, high rates of sedimentation substantially reduce reservoir storage capacity. Poor irrigation management and agronomic practices also contribute to low productivity. Water quality is not systematically monitored, so SRs can increase health risks such as malaria and schistosomiasis. With the intensification of settlements, livestock, and agriculture around the reservoirs, it is critical to improve water quality and quantity monitoring. We conclude that SRs are important nature-based solutions, but need more investment to support the climate-proofing of agriculture and livelihoods. We recommend governments develop long-term small reservoir support programs to strengthen local capacities to manage the reservoirs and their watersheds sustainably

Dry spells and evidence for scaling of agricultural water management and smallholder irrigation in northern Ghana

United States Agency for International Developmen

Agro-climatic and hydrological characterization of selected watersheds in northern Ghana

United States Agency for International Developmen