Over 360 households in the semi-arid Mbeti South Ward in Mbeere South Constituency, Embu County are set to benefit from a Sh69.9 million irrigation project expansion being undertaken by the Embu County Government.
The expansion of the Rupingazi-Weru Irrigation Scheme is expected to transform farming activities in the region by increasing access to reliable irrigation water and reducing overdependence on rainfall according to Governor Cecily Mbarire.
The project, which was first initiated in 2013 during the first phase at a cost of Sh146 million initially covered 54 hectares of land and benefited about 137 households in Rwika area.
With the expansion plan, the project is set to cover an additional 150 hectares, opening up more land for farming and increasing the number of beneficiaries significantly.
Speaking during the official handover of the project to the contractor at Rwika Market, Governor Mbarire said agriculture remains the backbone of Embu County’s economy as it employs a majority of residents either directly or indirectly.
Mbarire however noted that reliance on rain fed agriculture has been the biggest threat to food security in the county and more so in the arid area of Mbeere South and North Constituencies that received little rainfall.
She observed that the changing climate had also negatively affected crop production in upper zones of Embu that previously used to receive adequate rainfall forcing them to go back to the drawing board to come up with a lasting solution.
“It is in light of this reality that my administration has prioritized investment in irrigation infrastructure as a long-term solution to food insecurity and poverty among farming communities,” she said.
She maintained that expanding irrigation schemes across the county will not only improve food production but also increase household incomes and create economic stability for families.
According to the county boss, such projects as Rupingazi-Weru will enable farmers to engage in farming throughout the year, thereby boosting agricultural productivity in the region as well as household incomes.
Residents welcomed the expansion, terming it a major milestone that will change livelihoods and strengthen food security in the area.
The farmers said the availability of irrigation water will help them grow crops consistently without relying on rainfall, which has become unreliable over the years.
By Samuel Waititu
