From Desert to Lush Green Fields
As a master’s student at China Agricultural University, I had the privilege of observing the remarkable work being done at the Shiyanghe Experimental Station and witnessing firsthand the techniques and strategies that have turned a harsh desert environment into a productive agricultural oasis.
My journey to the Shiyanghe River Basin in Gansu Province, China, was an eye-opening experience that illuminated the transformative power of agricultural innovation and water conservation in arid regions.
I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the arid conditions of Shiyanghe and the northern regions of my homeland, Ghana. The insights gained here could hold the key to revitalising northern Ghana’s agriculture and water management systems.
Innovation and resilience
Upon arriving at the Shiyanghe Experimental Station, I was struck by the stark contrast between the arid landscape and the lush fields within the station. Located in the Liangzhou District, an area known for its extreme climatic conditions with evaporation rates up to 2,000 mm and annual precipitation of only 164 mm, the station stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience.
The core mission of Shiyanghe revolves around efficient water utilisation and conservation. I was introduced to advanced water-saving technologies such as precision drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring. These techniques are crucial for sustainable water use in arid climates and could serve as a model for Ghana.
Shiyanghe Station’s approach to water management is nothing short of revolutionary. Employing advanced water-saving technologies like precision drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture monitoring, the station has transformed desert conditions into productive agricultural land. Observing these techniques firsthand, I saw how every drop of water was utilised efficiently, ensuring sustainability in an arid environment.
Drought and irrigation
Another highlight of my visit was observing the research being conducted on drought stress and crop resilience under high-density planting conditions. Shiyanghe employs advanced technologies like smart pipeline robotic frames to monitor crop health and photosynthesis rates under drought conditions. This research is vital for identifying drought-resistant crop varieties and optimising agricultural practices in extreme climates.
Ghana could benefit immensely from adopting similar research methodologies. Investing in research on drought-resistant crops and advanced monitoring technologies would enhance agricultural resilience. Policies supporting such research and facilitating technology transfer to local farmers would empower them to better withstand drought conditions, ultimately improving productivity.
My field observations extended to the Gulang region, where innovative water conservation strategies are making significant impact. The development of a water conservation lake that diverts water from the Yellow River for storage and subsequent distribution is particularly noteworthy. This lake supports agricultural needs, addresses domestic and industrial water demands, and is complemented by an afforestation project aimed at reclaiming desert land and fostering ecological balance.
The success of Gulang’s integrated approach to water management and environmental restoration offers valuable lessons for Ghana. Implementing multipurpose water storage systems designed to capture and store excess rainfall during the wet season could mitigate water scarcity during dry periods. Additionally, large-scale afforestation projects could combat desertification, enhance soil moisture retention, and boost agricultural productivity.
At the Gulang Experimental Farm, I was particularly impressed by the innovative methods being used to address salinity-stressed sandy fields. The farm employs growth-enhancing chemicals on an experimental farm. This precision irrigation delivers water directly to the roots, improving moisture consistency and nutrient absorption. These techniques have significantly enhanced crop performance, demonstrating that effective management strategies can overcome soil salinity limitations.
Battle against desertification
In Minqin County, I witnessed the remarkable progress made in combating desertification and water scarcity through innovative strategies and community involvement. Central to these efforts is the Hongyashan Reservoir, which has significantly increased its capacity from 100 to 148 million cubic metres over the past 15 years, with water sourced from mountains snow melts, rainfalls, and through strategic diversions from the Yellow River. The reservoir supports agriculture, maintains ecological balance, and acts as a barrier against the convergence of the Badain Jaran and Tengery Deserts. Additionally, afforestation initiatives have dramatically improved the region’s environmental conditions.
The success of Minqin’s Hongyashan Reservoir highlights the benefits of investing in infrastructure to manage water resources. Ghana could see similar benefits from the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, which can regulate water flow, provide irrigation, and enhance agricultural productivity, mitigating the impacts of climate variations in Ghana.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Minqin County’s efforts is the robust community engagement. Family-owned tree planting initiatives and women’s groups have played a critical role in the afforestation efforts, resulting in the planting of 3.2 million new trees and the establishment of 100,000 new afforestation zones. These grassroots efforts have been essential in reversing desertification trends and restoring ecological health. Additionally, recent afforestation initiatives have dramatically improved the region’s environmental conditions, with the afforestation rate rising from 3 percent in 2015 to 18.20 percent, while desert ratio dropping from 90.34 percent to 88.18 percent.
Ghana can significantly benefit from adopting similar strategies and technologies. By incorporating water conservation techniques and advanced irrigation systems, the region can effectively address its water and agricultural challenges. The achievements of Minqin County in combating desertification offer valuable lessons for Ghana. Investments in infrastructure, afforestation, agroforestry, and community engagement can provide effective solutions to environmental and agricultural issues. Leveraging ongoing projects such as the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam and the One Village One Dam initiative, Ghana can build a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector.
My journey to the Shiyanghe River Basin was not just an educational experience but a revelation of how innovative practices and community-driven efforts can transform even the harshest environments. The lessons learned from Shiyanghe, Gulang, and Minqin can be directly applied to Ghana. By embracing these strategies, Ghana can overcome its challenges and achieve long-term economic growth and improved livelihood for its communities.
The author is student of China Agricultural University
