The TU Delft and TAHMO (Trans-African Hydro-Meteorological Observatory) have launched a project with the Netherlands Embassy in Ghana to improve local weather data, help Ghanaian farmers get actionable information from it and with it foster a climate-smart horticultural sector in Ghana.

At FutureWater, we support the project by researching optimal planting dates for different crops that are commonly grown in Ghana, such as tomato, eggplants, and onions. The end goal is to supply farmers and extension officers with location-specific information on optimal planting dates for different horticultural crops.

Our methodology is inspired by Agoungbome et al. (2024) and their analysis of safe sowing windows in West Africa. We will evaluate three different approaches to determining planting dates: a rainfall-based strategy requiring 20mm accumulation with no subsequent dry spells, an agronomic onset requiring consecutive rainy days, and a model-based safe sowing window identifying dates that yield at least 90% of maximum potential.

We will use the FAO AquaCrop model to simulate crop growth under different planting dates over the past 30 years. By simulating over more than a hundred different planting dates per year, we will be able to assess the effectiveness of both traditional and weather-data informed planting strategies. Moreover, we can assess how optimal planting dates have already shifted in the past 30 years due to climate change, and how droughts affect optimal planting strategies.

This will also be the first time that FutureWater will use the open-source Python version of AquaCrop, developed by our former colleague Tim Foster. It will be exciting to see the accuracy of the AquaCrop model merge with the power of the Python framework. Where possible, we will also research how the AquaCrop OSPy model could be extended with more features from the original AquaCrop model, such as fertility stress simulation.

This project will not just explore new ground on sowing windows in Ghana, but it will also provide actionable information for Ghanaian farmers and help them better prepare for an already changing climate.

Agoungbome, S. M. D., ten Veldhuis, M.-C., & van de Giesen, N. (2024). Safe Sowing Windows for Smallholder Farmers in West Africa in the Context of Climate Variability. Climate, 12(3), 44. https://doi.org/10.3390/cli12030044

FutureWater and its RVO Impact Cluster partners recently visited Egypt for the Building Unity for Climate Resilient Agriculture (BUCRA) project. The team assessed the demonstration farm in Qahbunah, a community in the northern Nile Delta. This farm will function as a pilot for innovative agricultural practices, showing the potential for more efficient and climate resilient agriculture.

During the visit, the team:

  • Examined current water and agricultural systems;
  • Met with local farmers to discuss the challenges they face;
  • Explored solutions to enhance rural livelihoods and foster climate resilient agriculture.

FutureWater will develop two digital tools that provide farmers with real-time irrigation (SOSIA) and crop planting advice (Croptimal). By leveraging the power of remote sensing and low-cost open-access datasets, smallholder farmers can get access to advice typically reserved for large commercial farms. Farmers can use these tools to improve yields, reduce water usage, and adapt to a changing climate.

The project brings together expertise from both Egyptian and Dutch partners: Witteveen+Bos, Delphy, SkillEd, Sanable Group, Land Water Food Consult, Mozare3, Buzoor, and NABC. The combination of international and local expertise makes the project well-positioned to work towards more climate-resilient agriculture in the region.

The team also met with representatives from local universities, ministries, and key organizations such as GIZ, and WFP to explore collaborations and learn from existing initiatives in the region. These discussions emphasized the need for coordinated action to address the Middle East’s environmental challenges. Climate change, water scarcity, and salinization threaten food production, while 55% of Upper Egypt’s population lives below the poverty line. The BUCRA project aims to address these dual challenges by developing resilient agricultural systems that both improve rural household incomes and enhance climate adaptation capabilities.

Field visit by the BUCRA team
The BUCRA team interviewing local farmers.
The BUCRA team interviewing local farmers.

The BUCRA (Building Unity for Climate Resilient Agriculture) project focuses on enhancing agricultural resilience in Qahbunah, a farming community in Egypt’s Nile Delta. Facing challenges like water scarcity, climate change, and land fragmentation, local farmers require innovative approaches to sustain their livelihoods.

At the heart of BUCRA are two cutting-edge tools developed by FutureWater: Croptimal and SOSIA, which combine advanced technology with local insights to transform traditional farming practices.

Croptimal is a climate suitability analysis tool that leverages climate projections, geospatial data, and agricultural insights to assess the suitability of various crops under current and future climate scenarios. By identifying areas and crops that are most resilient to climate stressors like heat, salinity, and water scarcity, Croptimal empowers farmers with data-driven recommendations to optimize their crop choices and planting strategies. This tool provides highly detailed maps and actionable advice, enabling farmers to adapt their practices to the challenges of climate change while enhancing productivity.

SOSIA (Satellite-based Open-source Irrigation Advisory) is an irrigation management tool designed to improve water use efficiency. It uses open-source satellite data, real-time weather information, and local soil conditions to provide precise daily irrigation advice. Farmers receive recommendations on how long to irrigate their crops each day via WhatsApp, making the service both accessible and cost-effective. This innovative approach not only reduces water usage but also improves crop yields and energy efficiency, addressing the increasing pressures on water resources in the Nile Delta.

In addition to these tools, BUCRA includes demonstration plots showcasing climate-smart techniques such as efficient irrigation, soil management, and crop rotation. Farmers will also participate in a blended learning program that combines field-based training with easy-to-use digital applications to improve their technical skills and knowledge.
BUCRA emphasizes empowering youth and women in agriculture, strengthening market linkages, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By aligning Dutch expertise with local needs, the project aims to boost productivity, stabilize incomes, and build a sustainable agricultural future in Qahbunah.

The long-term vision is to inspire broader adoption of these tools and practices, ensuring food and water security in the region while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.