Irrigation is important in Ghana to deal with the erratic rainfall, especially in the context of climate change. Irrigation can minimize frequent food shortages that are attributable to dependence on rainfall, and increase yields. However, to do this effectively requires a range of infrastructure that will provide for a wide range of crops and efficient water use. The government of Ghana identifies Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as a potential mechanism for expanding irrigation development, but is seeking evidence on appropriate models of PPP.

The AMPPPIDA (Assessing Models of Public-Private Partnership for Irrigation Development in Africa) project, has been studying the overall structure and particular cases of PPPs for irrigation development in Ghana and Tanzania. This collaborative research by University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana Irrigation Development Authority (GIDA), University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), supported by DFID-ESRC Growth Research Programme has conducted case studies of PPP irrigation projects in Ghana and Tanzania, and developed a tool to help improve clarity, coordination and transparency in such projects. This workshop provides an opportunity to present this research output for feedback and validation.