PRESSURES ON AN INTENSIVE IRRIGATED CASH-CROP SYSTEM IN COASTAL GHANA

This paper outlines the results of recent interdisciplinary fieldwork in Anloga on Keta Lagoon, Ghana. Vegetable production has been underta ken at Anloga since the nineteenth century and is now highly intensive and carefully regulated. Farmers produce shallots and other crops uti lising irrigation water, mostly from wells which tap a shallow fresh-w ater perched aquifer. However, farmers have been expanding their culti vation activities from the lagoon-side, encouraged by a World Bank sup ported programme which provides for well-sinking and some electric pum ps. The project has environmental and socio-economic implications whic h give cause for concern. The research employs field investigation to explore both the physical and political economy context and implicatio ns of recent change and considers the opportunities for community-base d water and crop regulation. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.