Expansion of Agriculture Using Micro-irrigation System

Challenge:

In the Baragoi-Maralal area of Kenya, communities have various problems resulting from inadequate water security. Degraded water sources, poor storage facilities and unsustainable water use make them particularly vulnerable to drought. The ensuing drought restricts food and livestock production, resulting in food insecurity and malnutrition. The dependence and scarcity of livestock also leaves people susceptible to having cattle stolen by cattle rustlers.

Action:

With funding from gorta, the Lokiin Small Scale Farmers Group are currently launching a project to address these problems. The group will construct six demonstration fenced gardens, which will include a new polypropylene moulded water tank with drip lines and micro sprinklers. Water tanks are essential liquid storage containers and are vital to ensuring water security. Alongside the Forestry Committee, the group will work to discourage the cutting of trees and teach agro-forestry. In this, the project will intersperse fruit trees with vegetables during the dry season. Tree species will include mangos, guavas, oranges, and bananas. Maize, beans, and amaranth will be produced during the wet season.

Benefits:

The new water tank will demonstrate efficient water use to farmers. Learning from these simple methods will allow farmers to grow more food with the same amount of water. Planting new trees has long-term benefits in watershed management and soil preservation. Trees help prevent the loss of surface water and soil caused by heavy seasonal rains. They also provide fruit which is valuable for nutrition and income generation. Watershed management is an area of increasing importance in gorta’s projects. Small projects such as this allow us to learn valuable lessons and to facilitate local skill sharing.

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