Water stress and its synergistic effects on pest and disease dynamics in smallholder irrigated agriculture: Evidence from central region of Ghana

Water stress-manifesting as either drought or waterlogging-poses significant challenges to irrigated agriculture by disrupting plant physiological defenses and creating favorable conditions for pest and pathogen proliferation. This study examines the complex interactions between water stress, crop health, and pest-disease dynamics in the Somnyamekodur community, Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District, Central Region, Ghana.A quantitative survey approach was adopted, involving 100 randomly selected farmers engaged in irrigated agriculture. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering farmer demographics, irrigation practices, effects of water stress, management strategies, and economic outcomes.Results indicated that the farming population is predominantly older (60% above 46 years) and characterized by low formal education levels (84% with primary or no education), which limits technology adoption. Traditional irrigation methods dominated (92%), while adoption of efficient systems such as drip (2%) and sprinkler (3%) irrigation remained low. Water stress dramatically increased fungal infections (68%) and insect pest infestations (90%), resulting in severe yield reductions, with 96% of farmers reporting high negative impacts and 72% experiencing income losses exceeding 50%. Despite 98% acknowledging that sustainable practices could mitigate water stress, only 10% implemented water-saving measures like mulching, primarily due to financial constraints (44%) and knowledge gaps (30%). The study demonstrates that water stress creates synergistic pest-pathogen-plant interactions that disproportionately affect smallholder farmers lacking access to modern irrigation technologies and extension services. Climate change was identified as the primary driver (92%), yet technology adoption remained low (76% unwilling) due to cost barriers. These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated approaches combining affordable irrigation technologies, targeted farmer training, financial incentives, and collaborative water management strategies to enhance resilience in climate-vulnerable agricultural systems.