SMART IRRIGATION: Transforming Lives in Villages in Chakama

Agriculture and all that pertains to it takes centre stage in Kenya’s social and political economy.  This sector accounts for about 75 percent of the work force, about 34 percent of the gross domestic product, and about 40 per cent of foreign exchange earnings via exporting horticultural, live animals and animal products such as dairy products , hides and skins. Although agriculture is a major part of the country’s economy, the structure of the sector is vulnerable because it relies on rain-fed agriculture during a rainy season that last for about six months. Droughts and other types of unseasonable weather pose risks for farmers. Under these conditions, the introduction and subsequent uptake of using irrigation methods offers hope for uninterrupted year-long agricultural activity and greater food security, particularly for rural farmers.

Providing food and nutrition security to residents of Coast Region remains one of Coast Development Authority’s top most goals. Chakama Small- holder Irrigation Scheme is one on the three projects that are undertaken by the Authority in the region to aid in improving food security. 

The project is located in Malindi Sub-county, Chakama Location where CDA intends to do small scale irrigation farming and agro-forestry along River Sabaki on 43 acres of land. Different irrigation technologies such as sprinkle, basin, drip and furrow will be used to grow crops such as  tissue culture bananas, onions, vegetables and so on.

Banana tissue culture seedlings ready for transplanting at CDA Chakama demonstration farm.
Banana tissue culture seedlings ready for transplanting at CDA Chakama demonstration farm.

The Authority will also capacity-build farmers on catchment management practices so as to increase soil fertility and farm productivity. The region’s future in agriculture depends on a healthy population and an economy that is resilient to the effects of climate change and emerging pests and diseases.

Chakama Small-holder Irrigation Scheme will improve farmers’ incomes, CDA will make water accessible to farmers so that they can establish profitable small-scale irrigation schemes and improve on crop farming.

Chakama’s farmers are smart and hardworking people. While their energy, focus and intelligence are often masked by lack of exposure and opportunities, in reality they possess deep knowledge of soils, weather patterns, market dynamics and other factors on which their livelihoods and social well-being depend. The pressure on local farmers to meet both the nutritional needs of their families as well as  demand from local markets has increased dramatically as a result of population growth over the past five decades. It is a scenario which calls for urgent action. CDA will focus on ensuring that farmers from Chakama have the current appropriate and affordable  technologies best suited to their locality. CDA aims even to assist them in identifying marketing outlets so as to augment their returns.

 

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