The Lake Basin Development Authority, (LBDA) has launched a solar-powered irrigation project that aims to boost food and nutritional security in 18 counties.
Raymond Omollo, the LBDA managing director spoke during the launch ceremony and said that the investment in solar installations is part of efforts to ensure environmental conservation. He explained that solar irrigation is climate-friendly will help farmers adapt their agricultural practices to prepare for changing weather patterns.
“We are targeting 15,000 small-scale farmers across the counties, as well as technology suppliers and farmers’ leaders to help us succeed. It will help fight the effects of climate change across the select counties under LBDA,” said Omollo.
LBDA covers 18 counties including Siaya, Kisumu, Kisii, Homabay, Migori, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, Bomet, Kericho and Nandi. Currently, the irrigation project is being implemented in three of LBDA integrated technology transfer centres at Muhoroni in Kisumu County, Alupe in Busia County and Lichota in Migori.
Scope of work
The project will cost LBDA up to Sh 450million and is being done in phases to create a sustainable market by increasing awareness and affordability of appropriate solar irrigation technologies. Phase one targets developing about 60 acres of land spread in three centres with a view to rolling out the project in phase two starting next month.
It costs about 90% complete entailing drilling and equipping of boreholes. It also includes construction of a 24-metre elevated water tower with 24,000-litre tanks, farmhouse and fencing of farmlands, purchase of farm machinery and installation of sprinkling facilities.
Omollo said the irrigation project aims at developing the small-scale solar irrigation market and that its field extension officers were teaching farmers on the suitable crops and technology to apply.
“The project conceptualises harnessing solar energy for irrigation to ensure sustainable food production and to tap green energy from the sun through solar panel arrays,” said Calvince Owidi, the LBDA chair.
Smart climate agriculture
Owidi added that the technology is to be transferred to communities to undertake smart climate agriculture to improve livelihoods. Phase two works will will see the authority add 310 acres of land under irrigation. It is to be implemented at LBDA’s Sangalo farm in Bungoma.
Owidi noted that small-scale irrigation has the potential to contribute to improved food security and higher rural incomes, but over-reliance on rain and lack of modern irrigation systems are holding back productivity.
“We know that there is still low awareness among farmers and high upfront costs of solar irrigation systems and limited access to finance for farmers and technology suppliers. But we are out to create more awareness,” said Mr. Owidi.
Agriculture is key to Kenya’s economy, contributing 26% of the gross domestic product and another 27% indirectly through linkages with other sectors.
