A significant research initiative is underway in Kenya to determine the volume of underground water reserves, with a focus on ensuring the sustainability of this critical resource. The study is being spearheaded by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) in collaboration with SunCulture, a leading agricultural solutions provider. The ongoing research aims to assess the underground water resources in select regions of the country, particularly in arable areas, as the government works towards expanding its irrigation capacity.
Currently, Kenya has 711,993 acres under irrigation, but the government has set an ambitious target to increase this to 1.3 million acres within the next two years. While this expansion is expected to boost food production and improve the country’s agricultural output, experts are raising concerns about the potential depletion of underground water supplies, especially with the increasing drilling of boreholes to support irrigation.
Abdulkarim Seid, the International Water Management representative for East Africa, cautioned that unchecked irrigation expansion in arable areas could lead to over-extraction of underground water. This, he argues, could have long-term consequences for the country’s water sustainability. “There is a pressing need for a continuous audit of available underground water to ensure that we do not over-exploit these vital reserves,” Seid emphasized.
In response to these concerns, experts in the water management field are advocating for more sustainable water management practices, including the adoption of targeted irrigation methods that reduce water wastage. Techniques such as drip irrigation, which delivers water directly to the plant roots, are seen as crucial in conserving underground water resources. These methods can help ensure that irrigation is both efficient and effective, minimizing the pressure on groundwater supplies.
The research being conducted by IWMI and SunCulture will play a vital role in shaping Kenya’s future water policies. By accurately mapping the volume of underground water, the study will provide policymakers with the data needed to make informed decisions on irrigation expansion and water management strategies. This will be essential not only for ensuring food security but also for safeguarding Kenya’s water resources for future generations.
As Kenya strives to increase its agricultural productivity, the balance between irrigation expansion and water sustainability will remain a critical issue. The ongoing research is a crucial step toward understanding and managing the country’s underground water reserves more effectively.
