Kilifi Farmers Encouraged to Embrace Irrigation for Enhanced Food Production

Kilifi County, located in Kenya’s coastal region, is increasingly focusing on sustainable agricultural practices to combat the challenges posed by unpredictable rainfall. In an effort to enhance food production and secure the livelihoods of local farmers, the Kilifi County Government, through its Department of Agriculture and Crops, is actively promoting the adoption of irrigation systems.

The push towards irrigation comes in the wake of a disappointing harvest during the previous planting season. Despite the county government’s extensive efforts to distribute seedlings and fertilizers to farmers, the lack of adequate rainfall led to subpar yields. This outcome has underscored the urgent need for farmers to reduce their reliance on natural rainfall and instead invest in irrigation methods that can ensure consistent crop production throughout the year.

Speaking at Tezo in Kilifi North Sub-County during the launch of the distribution of hand pumps and dam liners, Teddy Yawa, the Chief Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Crops, emphasized the county’s commitment to increasing food sufficiency. “Our goal is to boost food production by at least 5% annually, and the key to achieving this is through the widespread adoption of irrigation practices,” Yawa stated.

He further explained that the county government is not only encouraging farmers to embrace irrigation but is also taking concrete steps to improve the necessary infrastructure. This includes the construction of dams in various parts of the county, aimed at harvesting water during the rainy seasons. The harvested water can then be stored and used for irrigation during the dry periods, ensuring that crops receive the necessary water supply year-round.

Yawa’s sentiments were echoed by Kilifi County Agricultural Officer, Kazungu Ngoa, who highlighted the critical role of educating farmers on water harvesting techniques. “Given the frequent rainfall shortages in this region, it’s essential that farmers understand how to harvest and store water effectively. This knowledge, combined with the adoption of irrigation systems, can significantly improve crop yields and contribute to food security,” Ngoa noted.

The importance of this initiative was further underscored by the experiences of local farmers, who have long struggled with the region’s erratic weather patterns. One such farmer, Kibinu Kamau, shared his journey towards embracing irrigation. “For years, I relied on rainfall to water my crops, but the harvests were often poor. This prompted me to dig a dam on my farm to support irrigation,” Kamau recounted.

Kamau expressed his gratitude to the county government for their support in providing essential irrigation supplies, such as water pumps and dam liners. “These resources have been a game-changer for farmers like me. With the ability to irrigate my crops, I can now sustain them throughout the year, regardless of the weather,” he added.

The shift towards irrigation is seen as a vital strategy in Kilifi County’s broader agricultural development plan. By reducing dependency on unpredictable rainfall, farmers can achieve more stable and productive agricultural practices, ultimately leading to greater food security for the region. The county government’s efforts to promote irrigation are not just about increasing crop yields but also about empowering farmers to take control of their production cycles.

As the initiative gains momentum, the hope is that more farmers in Kilifi will follow in Kamau’s footsteps, adopting irrigation practices that can help them overcome the challenges posed by climate variability. With continued support from the county government, including the provision of irrigation equipment and the construction of water harvesting infrastructure, Kilifi is poised to become a model for sustainable agriculture in Kenya’s coastal region.

In conclusion, the Kilifi County Government’s emphasis on irrigation represents a proactive approach to addressing food security challenges in the region. By equipping farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to implement irrigation systems, the county is paving the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural sector, ensuring that the people of Kilifi can enjoy a stable and sufficient food supply in the years to come.