In response to the challenges posed by erratic rainfall patterns, the Kilifi County Government is urging local farmers to adopt irrigation techniques to boost food production and ensure food security in the region. This initiative, led by the County’s Department of Agriculture and Crops, is part of a broader effort to transition away from traditional reliance on natural rainfall, which has proven increasingly unreliable.
The push for irrigation is timely, coming after a particularly disappointing harvest season. Despite the County’s extensive distribution of seedlings and fertilizers, the lack of sufficient rainfall led to below-average yields. This outcome has underscored the need for a more sustainable approach to agriculture in Kilifi, where climate variability continues to pose significant risks to food production.
During a recent event in Tezo, Kilifi North Sub-County, the Chief Officer of the Department of Agriculture and Crops, Teddy Yawa, spoke at the launch of a new initiative aimed at distributing hand pumps and dam liners to local farmers. Yawa emphasized that the County’s goal is to increase food sufficiency by at least 5% annually, a target that can only be met through the widespread adoption of irrigation.
Yawa pointed out that the Kilifi County Government is committed to improving irrigation infrastructure as a key strategy for achieving this goal. He mentioned the ongoing construction of dams across various parts of the county, designed to facilitate water harvesting during the rainy season. The water stored in these dams can then be used to irrigate crops during dry periods, ensuring that farmers are not solely dependent on unpredictable natural rainfall.
The emphasis on irrigation also involves educating farmers on water harvesting techniques. Kilifi County Agricultural Officer, Kazungu Ngoa, highlighted the importance of this education, given the frequent rainfall shortages experienced in the region. Ngoa noted that many farmers are still unfamiliar with efficient water management practices, which is why the County is prioritizing training and outreach efforts.
The County’s initiative has already begun to bear fruit for some local farmers. Kibinu Kamau, a farmer in the region, shared his experience with irrigation, which has transformed his approach to farming. After years of disappointing harvests due to unreliable rainfall, Kamau decided to dig a dam on his farm to collect and store water. With the support of the County Government, which provided him with essential irrigation supplies such as water pumps and dam liners, Kamau has been able to sustain his crops year-round.
Kamau expressed his gratitude for the support, noting that the availability of these resources has made a significant difference in his farming operations. “Before, we were always at the mercy of the rains, and more often than not, they failed us. Now, with irrigation, we can plan our farming better and ensure that we get good yields even when the rains are insufficient,” Kamau said.
The benefits of irrigation extend beyond individual farmers like Kamau. By promoting irrigation, the Kilifi County Government hopes to enhance overall food production in the region, contributing to greater food security. This is particularly important in a region where agriculture is the backbone of the local economy, providing livelihoods for a significant portion of the population.
Furthermore, the adoption of irrigation could help mitigate the impacts of climate change, which is expected to bring more frequent and severe droughts to the region. By reducing reliance on rainfall, farmers can better withstand these challenges and continue to produce food even in adverse conditions.
The Kilifi County Government’s efforts to promote irrigation are a crucial step towards building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector. As more farmers embrace these techniques, the region can look forward to increased food production, greater food security, and improved livelihoods for its residents. However, continued support and investment in irrigation infrastructure will be essential to ensuring the success of this initiative and securing a prosperous future for Kilifi’s farming communities.
