Kilifi farmers urged to embrace irrigation amid unreliable rainfall

Kilifi County Government is ramping up efforts to encourage farmers to adopt irrigation methods to enhance food production and improve food security.

By promoting these techniques, the county aims to address challenges related to food scarcity and support sustainable agricultural practices.

Despite the county's efforts to distribute seedlings and fertilisers, insufficient rainfall severely impacted last season's harvests, leading to disappointing yields and prompting the push for improved irrigation methods.

Teddy Yawa, Kilifi North Sub-County Chief Officer for the Department of Agriculture and Crops, emphasised the need for farmers to shift from rain-dependent agriculture to more reliable irrigation practices.

“Our aim is to increase food sufficiency in the county by at least 5 per cent every year,” Yawa explained.

Kilifi North Sub-County, Chief Officer for the Department of Agriculture and Crops, Teddy Yaw. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

He emphasised the county government's commitment to building more dams and enhancing irrigation infrastructure, enabling the harvesting of rainwater for use during the drier months.

The Kilifi County Agricultural Officer, Kazungu Ngoa, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of water harvesting and irrigation.

"We cannot afford to rely solely on natural rainfall, especially in a region where rain is often unpredictable. By adopting irrigation, farmers can ensure that their crops receive the necessary water throughout the year," he said, pointing out that educating farmers on these techniques is critical to the success of the initiative.

Local farmer Kibinu Kamau, who has already started embracing irrigation, shared his experience. “Last season, my crops suffered because the rains were not enough. I realised I needed to take action, so I decided to dig a dam on my farm,” Kamau recounted.

He expressed his gratitude for the support from the county government, saying, “The hand pumps and dam liners they provided will make a huge difference. Now, I can irrigate my crops even when the rains fail, which means I can expect better harvests year-round.”

The county’s initiative is seen as a vital step towards building resilience against the increasingly unpredictable climate, aiming to secure consistent food production in Kilifi, regardless of rainfall patterns.

Kilifi North Sub-County, Chief Officer for the Department of Agriculture and Crops, Teddy Yaw, interacts with farmers in Kilifi County. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)