Kenya will have to invest more in irrigation to increase crop yield and reduce endemic food shortages. National Irrigation Board (Nib) Managing Director George Odedeh said irrigation is the country’s only hope to improve the food situation and living standards of people, mostly those living in arid and semi-arid lands (Asals).
“If the best agricultural practices are followed, one hectare under irrigation can significantly see food production increase four-fold compared to rain-fed agriculture,” Odedeh said, adding that it is the solution to challenges facing drylands in the country. Odedeh said through irrigation, the Government and other stakeholders would then provide improved seed varieties as well as animal breeds as part of their efforts to improve productivity. “Introduction of the best farming practices for animals and crops would see production become predictable and in turn build reliable markets and relationships,” he stated.
Odedeh said in places where there is irrigation, new markets come up and are economically vibrant. Speaking during a meeting on irrigation in the drylands organised by the Regional Learning and Advocacy Programme for Vulnerable Dryland Communities, an organ of Oxfam, Tarbaj MP, Mohammed Elmi, called for Asal communities to have access to irrigation. “Certain things must be in place for irrigation to work,” Elmi said, adding the Government should prioritise infrastructure such as roads, electricity and markets. “The marketing system should be fixed to enable farmers sell their produce,” he said. The Government has earmarked more than 1.2 million hectares for irrigation as part of its long-term development plans. Kenya’s arable land is estimated to stand at about 10 million hectares and of this, 1.2 million is irrigable.
