Kinango and Lungalunga sub-counties, once known for their arid conditions and reliance on food aid, are now experiencing a remarkable transformation. This change has been driven by targeted investments in water infrastructure and modern irrigation farming, made possible by Kenya’s devolved governance system. These once-drought-prone areas are becoming thriving agricultural hubs, marking a significant shift in the region’s economic landscape.
For years, the 100,000 residents of Kinango and Lungalunga lived under the constant threat of hunger. The harsh climatic conditions made agriculture nearly impossible, forcing families to depend on food aid from the government and donors to survive. The region’s agricultural potential was limited, and for decades, the idea of sustainable farming seemed out of reach.
However, since the implementation of devolution, the local government has prioritized agricultural development, especially in the dry zones. One of the key initiatives has been the introduction of drip irrigation systems, which have revolutionized farming in the area. A bold program has seen 250 acres of land placed under drip irrigation, benefiting over 4,000 farmers through a partnership between the County Government of Kwale and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).
In just two years, more than 25 dams have been constructed across the region, ensuring a reliable water supply to communities that had previously struggled with water scarcity. These dams, built in areas such as Nyalani, Kizingo, Bofu, Chikwakwani, Mwena, Mwakalanga, Nuru, Mtaa, Mwaluvuno, and Shauri Moyo, have breathed new life into the local agricultural sector. They provide a consistent water source that allows farmers to grow crops throughout the year, even during dry seasons.
Governor Fatuma Achani has played a central role in driving this transformation, emphasizing her administration’s commitment to tackling food insecurity in the region. The construction of the dams is seen as a critical step in promoting agribusiness and breaking the cycle of food scarcity that has plagued the area for so long. The improvements in water access have given local farmers the tools they need to succeed and thrive.
Farmers on the ground are already seeing the positive impacts of these initiatives. Esther Uchi, a member of the Chikuyu Irrigation Group in Kasemeni Ward, recalls the challenges her community faced before the water projects were introduced. “In the past, we had to travel as far as Mariakani or Mazeras just to get vegetables. Many people relied on charcoal burning and food relief to survive,” she explained.
Today, Esther and her fellow farmers are cultivating a variety of crops, including spinach and eggplant, not only for their families but also for commercial sale. “Since we got this water project, we now grow enough food for our families and to sell. Things have really changed,” she said.
This success story is reflective of the broader changes taking place in Kinango and Lungalunga. Once desolate and drought-stricken, these areas are now evolving into agricultural powerhouses, demonstrating the effectiveness of devolution in transforming even the most challenging environments. With strategic leadership and local empowerment, these regions are being reshaped into thriving centers of prosperity. The shift towards sustainable agriculture is not only helping to reduce food insecurity but also providing economic opportunities for local communities, proving that with the right investments and support, even the most arid regions can flourish.
