A Critical Analysis of Decentralisation and Community-Based Irrigation Water Resource Governance in Ghana

Abstract

Ghana began a series of water sector institutional reforms in the early 1990s, adopting an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach, which recognised the importance of the agricultural sector as a major water user. Much progress has been achieved in establishing the regulatory frameworks for IWRM implementation. The national irrigation water policy emphasised the social and economic value of the decentralisation of irrigation water governance. The policy sought to transfer irrigation water governance to local government authorities (District Assemblies) and Water User Associations (WUAs) and aimed to promote participatory community-based irrigation water governance. The implementation of the policy sought to adhere to the principle of subsidiarity in devolving management roles, ownership and control to the District Assemblies and WUAs. However, little progress has been achieved in realising the policy intent of decentralisation. There remain weaknesses in the current governance arrangements which have resulted in low participation and cooperation of regional government agencies, District Assemblies, communities, and general water users in irrigation water governance. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to evaluate current decentralised governance structures and processes at the regional, district and community levels, and to assess to what extent these structures effectively support a community-based approach to irrigation water governance in Ghana.