Kwale county government has launched solar-powered drip irrigation schemes in arid and semi-arid zones of the region to enhance food production.
The coastal county seeks to modernize agriculture, enhance food security, and drive economic growth through sustainable irrigation solutions.
These schemes utilize various water sources like boreholes, underground springs, dams, and water pans as the county aims for year-round farming, increased yields, and improved livelihoods.
The coastal county’s main sources of water are boreholes, underground springs, dams, water pans and rock catchments.
Governor Fatuma Achani said the solar-powered drip irrigation schemes will ensure year-round farming activities and economic opportunities for local smallholder farmers.
Governor Achani stated that the rural-based irrigation schemes by the devolved government were meant to encourage irrigation activities as well as to harness food and nutrition security and improve livelihoods.
Achani highlighted the micro irrigation scheme’s role in reducing dependence on seasonal rainfalls, boosting agricultural productivity, and boosting farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.
She revealed that exploitation of Kwale’s agricultural potential through year-round farming activities remains a top priority of her administration adding the devolved unit will be taking deliberate steps to rehabilitate and expand existing irrigation infrastructure including dams and borehole-enabled irrigation schemes.
She was speaking when she launched and handed over to a contractor the Dzipange Kayamba Self Help Group micro irrigation project site at Chivyogo village in Tiwi Ward, Matuga sub county.
The group will focus on horticulture farming including tomatoes, kales, mchicha, bringles, onions and African leafy vegetables through irrigation. “Our aim is to promote irrigation farming as a food source and income generating activity among small-scale farmers,” said Achani, adding that irrigated agriculture was more resilient to climate shocks.
Achani said the Sh.2.6 million project consists of installation of a submersible solar pump with all the required 240 Watts solar panels, construction of a concrete tank, pipeline work, drip irrigation system and fencing of the site.
The launch marks another milestone in Kwale County’s broader strategy to promote climate-smart agriculture and empower community-based groups with tools to enhance food security and economic resilience.
The Dzipange Kayamba project is part of a growing number of micro irrigation initiatives across the county, supported through partnerships between county government, development agencies, and grassroots communities.
Achani said the new scheme will be powered by solar energy and utilizing semi-conduit as well as drip irrigation techniques for effective irrigation purposes.
The county boss who was accompanied by the County Executive Committee Members Saumu Beja (Environment and Natural Resources) and Roman Shera (Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries), emphasized her administration’s commitment to promoting irrigation farming as a solution to food insecurity and poverty.
“We are determined to support farmers with modern farming technologies and techniques that not only conserve water but also increase food productivity,” she said.
Local farmer Salim Golo expressed optimism about the irrigation project’s impact on their livelihoods. “Before this project, we depended on unreliable rains and could barely grow enough for our families but with drip irrigation and solar power, we can now farm throughout the year and earn a decent living,” said Golo.
The veteran farmer commended the devolved government for its commitment towards achieving food security, providing sustainable means of livelihood, and reducing poverty among residents.
Salma Athman, a local farmer also welcomed the efforts being undertaken by the county to ensure that food is produced round the year using micro drip irrigation schemes.
She said the move by the devolved government to support the production of food through irrigation was long overdue considering the effects of climate change that local farmers were grappling with such as soil erosion, agricultural land losses, and saltwater intrusion.
