Just 9 per cent of Kenya’s irrigable land developed- PBO report
- The country’s irrigation potential stands at 1.342 million hectares but only 120,503 hectares have been developed
- Kenya’s food production is largely reliant on rainwater which renders it very vulnerable to weather variability and climatic changes
It said expanding and rehabilitating irrigation schemes across the country will expand farmers’ production opportunities and mitigate risks, thereby enhancing food security.
“In order to support the increasing population in the face of reducing farmland size, it is critical to embrace intensive agricultural production which is possible only with the provision of water for irrigation,” the PBO advised.
It suggested that each county allocates Sh50 million annually towards investment in small-scale irrigation infrastructure in the agricultural zones.
It also recommended that the government maximises on the already existing irrigation infrastructure for agricultural production.
Kenya’s food production is largely reliant on rainwater for crop and animal production which renders it very vulnerable to weather variability and climatic changes
The report noted that the country is currently faced with a severe drought and invasive crops and pests.
The provision of water for irrigation in addition to the provision of subsidised inputs and extension services can be a wholesome solution to the current challenge of agricultural productivity
