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Manchester researchers use AI and satellite imagery to map irrigation in Ghana. Their findings will guide technologies and services to strengthen water resilience, boost food security and improve livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

Despite agriculture accounting for over 70% of freshwater withdrawals globally, we still know very little about how water is used in agricultural production around the world. So how can we increase food production and develop rural economies, while reducing the pressure that the sector places on freshwater resources?

Manchester's Dr. Christopher Bowden and Dr. Tim Foster have set out to answer this question, applying machine learning algorithms and high-resolution satellite imagery to identify where farmers in Ghana use irrigation鈥攔evealing where communities have expanded irrigation systems or where improved water access could transform crop productivity. Their research was at the EGU General Assembly 2025 and in Environmental Research Letters.

This data-driven approach ensures irrigation services reach the farmers in greatest need and represents a strong example of blending research with impact. Dr. Foster is pleased with the real-world effect the project has already had.

He says, "We can now rapidly map and monitor where and when farmers are adopting irrigation in Ghana and other African countries. We use these maps to help governments, development agencies, NGOs and the private sector to better design and target irrigation projects, to improve food security and help reduce rural poverty."