Irrigation farmers at MacLean Dam urgently call for expansion to sustain farming

Correspondence from Sarah Dubure, Upper East:

Irrigation farmers at the MacLean Dam in Bolgatanga, Upper East Region, are appealing for an expansion of the dam to support their farming activities.

As they enter the dry season, the farmers worry that the dam's water will soon dry up, impacting their work—a recurring challenge they face each year.

According to the farmers, they have raised this issue with various politicians in the past, who promised assistance, but these pledges have not been fulfilled after the politicians assumed power.

Speaking to GhanaWeb's Upper East Regional Correspondent, Sarah Bandal Dubure, the farmers shared their concerns.

Mr. Nyaaba Paaya emphasized the need for support to retain more water in the dam, as it tends to dry up during the dry season despite filling up during the rains.

"The farmers at MacLean Dam, need help because by March, the water dries up, and we are left without enough for our crops," he said.

He believes that expanding the dam would help engage the youth in meaningful work. "This will help the youth because there are no jobs," he added.

A septuagenarian, Mr. Jackman Nsoh, who works as a farm labourer, noted that limited water creates financial strain for him.

"If there's no water, I end up at a loss because my boss can't harvest enough to pay me properly," he said, appealing to the government and charitable organizations to help expand the dam.

Mr. Nsoh expressed optimism that with an expanded dam, workers like him would be better able to support their families. "If they expand it and employ us to work, we’ll earn enough to take care of our families," he shared.

Madam Matilda Atongo, a crop and livestock farmer, explained that both their crops and animals depend on the dam’s water, which runs short during the dry season.

"Because of the limited water, our yields are low, and we can’t rear many animals as they risk dying of thirst," she noted.

She added that when the water runs low, they are forced to abandon some parts of the farm to concentrate on areas that can be sustained with the limited water. "When the water reduces, I have to divide the farm and water only part of it. It’s better than watering the whole farm and losing everything," she explained.

Another farmer, Madam Alice Atampugre, also involved in crop and livestock farming, highlighted the challenges they face when taps are closed during the dry season. "I don’t get water even for drinking, let alone for my animals," she said.

For her, securing water for her animals is essential, as she relies on them for additional income if crops don’t do well. "Without water, I’m forced to rear fewer animals, which affects my family’s food supply," she lamented.

She appealed for the dam’s expansion to improve her livelihood, expressing, "We’re just managing, but it’s not easy at all."

In the Upper East Region, the dry season often leaves many residents without work. Expanding the dam would provide a stable water source, empowering residents to support their families and helping reduce social vices.

The farmers at MacLean Dam grow crops such as maize, cassava, cocoyam, pepper, tomatoes, and plantain.