Groundwater quality assessment for sustainable irrigation in Nanton district, Ghana

As part of the semi-arid region, Ghana falls within the West African Sahel region with high climatic variability and severe droughts, especially in the Northern parts. The Northern region is characterized as one of the driest in Ghana. It experiences one rainy season in a year, though agriculture is one of the main economic activities. Nanton district in the Northern region consists of farming communities. However, there is limited availability of water for crop watering during the dry season and groundwater could become a possible source of water supply. This research, therefore, seeks to provide information on the irrigation quality status of groundwater in the Nanton district. Information from this research also aims to assist policymakers take the right decisions for sustainable agriculture in the study area. Irrigation water indexes in combination with the USSL diagram were adopted as methods for analyses in this research. Results generally suggest that groundwater in the study area is suitable for irrigation purposes, except for a few places in the district. Further studies should be conducted to precisely state the quality of water used for drinking and domestic purposes. The research should also emphasize identifying factors controlling groundwater chemistry in the area. HIGHLIGHTS This paper presents preliminary insights into groundwater as a sustainable alternative source for agriculture.; Stakeholders can utilize the information in this study to enhance farming activities within the area.; Policymakers can make informed decisions toward achieving food security based on the findings of this research.; The findings support irrigation as a contributing factor toward the improvement of agribusiness.; The research supports Nanton’s socio-economic growth through efficient and responsible use of groundwater.