The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme in Nyatike Sub-County, Migori County, stands as a testament to the Kenyan government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity and addressing food security challenges. In a recent announcement by Irrigation Principal Secretary (PS) Ephantus Kimotho, the government has allocated Ksh. 68 million to compensate landowners who provided their land for the establishment of the irrigation scheme. This marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to develop the scheme, benefiting not only the local community but also contributing to the national food basket.
The compensation, which will benefit over 1,400 individuals, underscores the government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by these landowners. It also reflects a broader strategy to improve agricultural infrastructure in Kenya’s rural areas, where irrigation schemes have the potential to revolutionize food production. The allocated funds have already been transferred to the National Irrigation Authority, with the disbursement now awaiting the assessment and final approval by the National Land Commission (NLC).
A Path to Food Security and Economic Empowerment
The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme is one of several initiatives launched under Kenya’s Vision 2030 development blueprint, aiming to boost food production and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture. With climate change causing unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall, such irrigation schemes are becoming increasingly important in ensuring a stable supply of food, particularly in areas prone to climate-related challenges like Migori County.
During his visit to Migori, PS Kimotho emphasized the government’s commitment to optimizing the irrigation scheme’s operations to enhance food production. He revealed plans for an additional Ksh. 1.4 billion to be spent on completing 12 more blocks within the project, which will ultimately ensure that the entire irrigation scheme functions at full capacity. The expansion will enable more farmers to participate in irrigated agriculture, allowing for the cultivation of diverse crops throughout the year, regardless of the seasonal rainfall.
“The government is keen on ensuring that the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme reaches its full potential, not only for the benefit of the people of Nyatike but also to contribute to Kenya’s overall food security,” Kimotho remarked.
The President’s Commitment to Agriculture
Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko commended President William Ruto for fulfilling his promises to the people of Migori County. During a recent visit to the county, President Ruto had pledged to address key issues raised by local leaders and farmers, with compensation for landowners being one of the top priorities. Governor Ayacko lauded the government’s prompt action, highlighting that such measures are crucial in maintaining the trust and cooperation of the local community in national projects.
Governor Ayacko stated, “The people of Migori have been waiting for this moment. Compensation for the farmers who gave their land for the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme was one of the key issues we raised with the President, and we are grateful that his administration has taken swift action to address it.”
Beyond land compensation, Ayacko expressed his administration’s commitment to working closely with the national government and other partners to ensure the irrigation scheme becomes fully operational. This collaboration aims to maximize the scheme’s impact by providing farmers with the necessary resources and support to increase their productivity.
Partnerships for Agricultural Development
One of the key aspects of the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme’s success is the collaboration between various stakeholders, including the national and county governments, international organizations, and local farmers. The county government of Migori, led by Governor Ayacko, has been working in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to provide critical support to farmers. This support includes the provision of seeds, technical training, and access to markets, all of which are essential in ensuring the sustainability of the irrigation scheme.
The FAO’s involvement reflects the growing recognition of the importance of public-private partnerships in driving agricultural development. By leveraging the expertise and resources of international organizations, the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme can adopt best practices in water management, crop production, and environmental sustainability. Such partnerships also help in mitigating the risks associated with climate change, which continues to threaten food security in many parts of the world, including Kenya.
Governor Ayacko reiterated the importance of such collaborations, noting that “the county government is fully committed to working with the national government, FAO, and other partners to ensure that the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme becomes a model for agricultural success in Kenya.”
Boosting the Local Economy and Livelihoods
The Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme is not only vital for food production but also for the economic empowerment of the local community. Agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, particularly in rural areas where the majority of the population depends on farming for their livelihoods. The irrigation scheme has the potential to transform the socio-economic landscape of Nyatike Sub-County by creating job opportunities, increasing incomes, and improving living standards.
Farmers who participate in the scheme can diversify their crops, moving beyond subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. This shift is expected to boost household incomes and provide farmers with the financial means to invest in better farming technologies, education for their children, and healthcare. The scheme also offers opportunities for agro-processing industries to flourish, adding value to the raw agricultural products and creating additional employment opportunities in the region.
Moreover, the irrigation scheme is expected to have a positive ripple effect on other sectors of the local economy, including transportation, trade, and services. As agricultural production increases, so will the demand for infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and markets. The local business community is likely to benefit from this increased economic activity, further contributing to the overall development of Migori County.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the progress made in the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme is commendable, challenges remain that must be addressed to ensure the project’s long-term success. One of the key challenges is the timely and fair compensation of landowners, which is crucial in maintaining community support for the project. The delay in disbursement, awaiting the National Land Commission’s assessment, has caused some frustration among landowners, and it is essential that this process is expedited to avoid further delays in the scheme’s development.
Another challenge is the need for continuous investment in infrastructure and technology. Irrigation schemes are capital-intensive projects that require regular maintenance and upgrades to remain effective. The government’s commitment to injecting an additional Ksh. 1.4 billion into the project is a positive step, but sustained financial support will be necessary to ensure the irrigation system remains functional and efficient in the long term.
Water management is another critical issue, particularly in the face of climate change. Efficient water use is essential to ensure that the scheme does not deplete local water resources or cause environmental degradation. Implementing water conservation techniques and educating farmers on sustainable agricultural practices will be key in addressing these concerns.
Conclusion
The allocation of Ksh. 68 million for land compensation in the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to enhance food production and improve livelihoods in Migori County. With the additional Ksh. 1.4 billion set aside for the completion of the project, the irrigation scheme is poised to become a cornerstone of Kenya’s agricultural development strategy.
As the government, local leaders, and international partners continue to collaborate, the Lower Kuja Irrigation Scheme has the potential to transform the lives of thousands of farmers in Nyatike Sub-County and contribute to the national goal of achieving food security. By addressing the challenges that lie ahead and building on the progress already made, the scheme can serve as a model for other irrigation projects across the country, helping Kenya build a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector for the future.
