project partner meeting summary

SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT

Sustainable Agricultural Water Management in Cereal-Based Farming Systems of Northern Ghana

Partners Meeting IWMI Conference Room

08 August 2012

Members Present1. Prof. Charles Quansah

2. Dr. Emmanuel Obuobie

3. Dr. Pamela Katic

4. Mr. Edmund Akoto

5. Dr. Fred Kizito

Absent with excuse: Dr. Regassa Namara; Dr. Wilson A. Agyare

Meeting Agenda:

1. Orientation on project scope2. Updates on progress made

a. Field trials laid outb. Instrumentation purchasedc. Project communication tool in place

3. Next Stepsa. Release of funds for partner budgetsb. Field instrumentation deploymentc. Training on soil and water conservation measuresd. Project workshops and meetingse. Field exchange visits

4. Other matters arising

http://sustainablewatermgt.wordpress.com

http://sustainablewatermgt.wordpress.com/


Opening

The Project Leader (PL), Fred Kizito opened the meeting with a brief presentation on the overview of the project scope. Project partners include Dr. Fred Kizito, Dr. Namara Regassa and Dr. Pamela Katic and Mr. Edmund K. Akoto-Danso from IWMI; Prof. Charles Quansah and Dr. Wilson Agyare from KNUST; Dr. Emmanuel Obuobie from CSIR-WRI and Dr. Karbo Naminong from CSIR – ARI.

As a background, the PL indicated the main aim of the project, which is undertaken in the Lawra and Tolon-Kumbugu Districts, was to provide information on tools and methods that can be used to scale-up and out proven water management interventions that have a high potential for increasing agricultural productivity.

The PL shared with the group the project work plan and research design. It was stated that the field instrumentation for the project has been purchased and will be arriving soon. The instrumentation expected includes Pyranometer, Anemometer, Soil water content Echo Probes and other data loggers.

The PL ended his presentation by stating some of the expected outputs and capacity strengthening component of the project. This includes training of famers, technology transfer on soil and water conservation, provision of aerial maps showing biophysical and socioeconomic factors and also reports on best practices on irrigation techniques. The capacity strengthening also includes participatory video experience, best practices in irrigation techniques and soil and water conservation manuals. He further discussed the project budget with the partners present.

Updates of progress made1. The PL mentioned about his earlier meeting with Prof. Quansah. Highlights of the

meeting include possibilities of combining automated measurements with access tube measurements; selection of community trainers i.e. trainer of trainees (AEAs); location for on-site for both Lawra and Tolon; and dates for field visit.

2. Field visits conducted by the PL the previous week indicated that the field trials were well laid out and work is progressing as expected.




3. The project currently has a communication tool/blog for project exchanges: (http://sustainablewatermgt.wordpress.com). This serves as an update platform on progress made and also archives project datasets and literature.

4. The challenge we face is how to achieve quick wins within the project timeframe; we are optimistic that this can be achieved.

Next StepsOn the way forward, the team itemized the following:

1. IWMI is working on the release of funds for partners which should be sorted out soon.

2. The team had discussions on water harvesting techniques. The team discussed on how best to cover the water harvesting pond proposed for one of the farmers to reduce water loss. For the top of the pond, it was proposed that the cover be in “V” shaped so as to harvest enough water.

a. We have to also consult SARI who had a mechanism like a concrete pot put on the ground in their small scale irrigation schemes.

b. Other proposals include water harvesting systems like dug out or c. dams/ reservoirs to harvest the water.

3. On the group of people to be trained, it was agreed that, we train all the available Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) in the Region of interest.

a. We also need to spend more time on the Extension Agents (who could transfer the knowledge gained) rather than the farmers.

b. It was noted that even though the training will focus on the AEAs, it will be done at the field and hence the farmers will get the opportunity to see what is been done and learn.

4. Field exchange visits were proposed for the farmers to learn from each other. Fred and Emmanuel will be discussing further on the field exchange visits.

5. In terms of logistics for field work, Prof Quansah indicated that, the group will go through the training manual. Each participant will be given a manual.

a. The AEAs will have the detailed manual b. whilst Farmers will be given the pictorial manual. c. Prof. Quansah will be organizing for 15 copies of the manual and also the

other logistics needed for the training will be provided to the PL for funds.6. Partners who will be joining the team for the field work scheduled for 18th – 21st

September, 2012 include Dr. Fred Kizito, and Mr. Edmund K. Akoto-Danso from IWMI; Prof. Charles Quansah, Dr. Wilson Agyare and a PhD student from KNUST; Dr. Emmanuel Obuobie from CSIR-WRI and Dr. Karbo Naminong from CSIR – ARI.




project partner meeting summary

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