Water Use Efficiency in Ghana's Smallholder Farming Systems: Unpacking the Benefits of Integrating Conservation Tillage, Digital Agriculture and Rainwater Harvesting Practices
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jbhs.2.5.76Keywords:
- Tillage,
- Digital agriculture,
- Rainwater harvesting,
- Water use efficiency,
- Crop productivity
Abstract
Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns have resulted in decreased crop yields, increased pest and disease pressure, soil degradation and water scarcity. This makes a strong case for sustainable agricultural technologies that ensure water use efficiency. This review revealed the synergies among conservation tillage, digital agriculture and rainwater harvesting and their combined effects on water use efficiency in Ghanaian smallholder farming systems. These practices integrate a set of benefits that comprise a reduction in soil erosion, enhanced soil health and increased crop yields with a response to water scarcity issues. Research indicates that their adoption can address food security issues with attendant benefits ranging from a 50% reduction in soil loss and more effective irrigation systems. In spite of this, low awareness, inadequate access to technologies and poor policy support are limitations to their broader adoption in Ghana. The simultaneous adoption of these practices is transforming Ghana's agriculture, yielding tremendous benefits in soil conservation, labour savings, water use efficiency, lowered dependence on direct rainfed agriculture and increased crop productivity in smallholder farming systems. In particular, digital agriculture (agriculture 4.0) has shown great potential in improving water use efficiency through reducing pest infestation and optimizing soil moisture. Besides, rainwater harvesting has developed as a key approach to enhance water use efficiency, especially in regions characterized by high variability in rain. The field experience gained from the implementation in the Bono East Region of Ghana has testified to the effectiveness of this integrated approach, with incredible rises in crop yields, growth rates and development indicators.
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