Feasibility Study for the Bakolori Irrigation System

The central aim was to assess the viability of expanding and revitalizing the BIS to enhance crop productivity, generate income, and create jobs—especially for marginalized groups such as women and young people. Specific objectives included analyzing farmer demographics, identifying constraints to productivity, exploring opportunities for crop diversification, and proposing scalable interventions in input access, mechanization, post-harvest infrastructure, and extension services.

Farmers face multiple interrelated challenges, including aging irrigation infrastructure, broken canals leading to uneven water distribution, high costs and limited access to quality seeds and fertilizers, frequent pest outbreaks—especially in tomatoes and onions—and inadequate storage facilities causing significant post-harvest losses. Financial constraints restrict investment in modern tools, while insecurity in the region deters consistent field access. Cultural norms limit women’s participation in core farming, and low literacy levels hinder adoption of complex technologies.

Based on the findings, four strategic interventions were proposed. First, an Input Accessibility Program to link farmers with suppliers and establish cooperatives for bulk purchasing of seeds and inputs. Second, a Training of Trainers model to build a cadre of youth-led extension agents who provide localized advice on good agricultural practices. Third, a Capacity Development Initiative for youth to construct and manage small-scale storage and processing units. Fourth, a Mechanization Promotion Scheme where youth cooperatives offer tractor rentals and solar-powered irrigation services to smallholders.

Data was gathered through mixed methods: surveys of 130 farmers, seven key informant interviews with leaders and managers, and a review of World Bank and academic reports. Multi-stage sampling ensured geographic and crop diversity. Quantitative data was analyzed using Excel, while qualitative insights were thematically coded. Findings were triangulated to ensure accuracy. The study examined age and gender distribution, education levels, farm sizes, cropping patterns, yield performance, labor dynamics, and market access, forming a holistic picture of the system’s strengths and weaknesses.