The District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South West District Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Sedik, has called on cocoa farmers in the district to adopt small-scale irrigation as a climate-ready strategy, particularly irrigation-as-a-service (IAS) that can stabilise their yields and incomes.

The appeal was made at a stakeholder forum organised by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) on the strategic role of irrigation in the cocoa sector on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Mankranso.

Speaking to members of the Cooperative Cocoa Farmers Association and Extension Officers, Hon. Abubakar Sedik said irrigation can help farmers navigate prolonged dry seasons that affect cocoa bean quality."Rainfall alone is no longer reliable. With this initiative by IWMI, it will help reduce losses in the dry season,” the DCE said. “This is about better livelihoods for our people.” He encouraged them to take farming seriously and embrace the new technology in farming.

The DCE pledged the District Assembly's support to help farmer-based organisations access technical guidance and mechanisms for irrigation.

According to Abena Ofosu, senior research officer at IWMI, the forum was to explore the opportunities, barriers, and strategic role of irrigation-as-a-service in Ghana’s cocoa sector.

"The research aims to fill key evidence gaps around farmer demand, institutional policy, technical feasibility and service delivery models", she added.

Farmers at the event welcomed the initiative and pleaded to the DCE to help construct their roads to make them accessible.

About International Water Management Institute

The International Water Management Institute is a global research for development organisation focusing on water security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. In Ghana, it partners with government agencies, universities, and farmer organisations to co-develop water solutions for smallholders.

In 2024, IWMI reclaimed 20 acres of abandoned mined land at Kunsu in the Ahafo Ano South West District and planted palm nut seedlings to help restore the vegetation of the area.