Support to vulnerable/food insecure households through promotion of small scale irrigation and drought tolerant crops in Kenya interventions

The main objective of the project is to improve food security for the vulnerable households affected by drought and soaring food prices through promotion of small-scale irrigation and drought-tolerant crops in Kenya.

• increase the area under crop production by vulnerable households in existing small-scale irrigation schemes; and
• support vulnerable households in marginal agricultural areas of eastern Kenya to produce drought-tolerant crops through a sustainable seed system.
  

The project, following the results of phase 1 of the programme (OSRO/KEN/901/SPA), focused on: 

• constructing a minor irrigation system in the expanded area as a result of increased water accessed in the first phase of the programme;
• strengthening irrigation management systems;
• developing household capacity to increase crop production and income;
• strengthening the capacity of farmer organizations in collective marketing and to facilitate links with and access to markets to promote economic viability and sustainability; and
• strengthening farmer seed systems to promote the use of drought-tolerant seeds, thereby improving seed security.

Overall, crop production increased in all the targeted irrigation schemes as a result of efficient use of irrigated water, improved certified seeds and fertilizers and proper crop protection methods. The main positive impacts were: 

• Increased food security : the improvement of rice yields resulted in an increased food security of beneficiary households. 
• Improved farming method: several training sessions were organized for the project beneficiaries. The training sessions mainly focused on new farming technologies and irrigation water management. It was reported that certified seeds and commercial fertilizers were used more than before the project. After training sessions were carried out, cropping calendars, proper land preparation and pest and diseases control were adopted by project beneficiaries, as well as line planting, which was adopted by 70 percent of the farmers.
• Rice marketing: farmers who sold to cereal boards earned good cash returns.
• Industrial development: due to the surge in rice yields and production in Gem Rae and Nyachoda, two new rice mills were established to alleviate the overcrowding at the existing mills.

In terams of results, the project lead to:

• increase in the total irrigated area within the project framework from 267.9 hectares to 1 006 hectares;
• development of beneficiaries' capacity in improved agricultural methods;
• generation of household income from the sale of seeds;
• production of over 1 050 tons of improved dryland crop seeds; and
• greater crop yields for project beneficiaries and a more than 60 percent increase in vegetable production.
  

Lessons learned

The project focused on rehabilitating irrigation infrastructure like canals and weirs using cash-for-work schemes, which improved farmer ownership and engagement. Collaborating with the Government reduced operational costs, allowing more funds for infrastructure and benefiting from Government staff's expertise for sustainability. The distribution of yield-enhancing inputs such as improved seeds, fertilizers, and chemicals, combined with extension services and capacity building, increased agricultural production and expanded irrigation areas. 

Input fairs were introduced to promote local commercial input markets and enhance farmers' access to modern inputs. These fairs raised farmers' awareness of new inputs and encouraged local suppliers to meet demand, boosting the local economy.

The project also conducted training needs assessments, which led to tailored training on various topics including group management, agronomic practices, marketing, and irrigation maintenance. These trainings improved crop production and project effectiveness.

However, delays in seed delivery affected yields, suggesting the need for earlier seed procurement. The overall success of the project highlighted that drip irrigation was an effective method for increasing vegetable production, improving nutrition, and boosting incomes in areas with limited water availability.

Recommendations