By Sharon Atieno Onyango
An annual precipitation range of 275–360 mm makes Garissa County among the most arid areas in Kenya, where regular and extended dry periods are common.
This has turned agriculture in the area into an expensive endeavor, as many villages, particularly those near rivers, rely on limited irrigation systems typically operated with gasoline or diesel pumps.
Muhammad Hassan, a cultivator from Galbet ward, remembers having drilled a well to obtain water since his two-acre plot lies in a gently sloping region.
"The water from the river wasn't making it this far, and at that point, there weren't any solar-powered pumps available. Using a generator to pump water from the well to my field cost me Shs. 3000 (US$ 23) every three or four days just for fuel," he explains, noting that even with the expense, profits remained poor because of limited demand for the crops.
Hassan points out that following the creation of the first agricultural irrigation initiative in the area, conditions have improved significantly. Water is now easily accessible for their farming activities at no cost, relying solely on sunlight. They no longer need to allocate funds for purchasing fuel like gasoline or diesel.
A solar-driven irrigation initiative was created by the local government as part of the Financing Local-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) program.
A five-year initiative launched by the Kenyan government receives backing from the World Bank and collaborating entities, with the objective of promoting community-driven efforts to build climate resilience and enhance the ability of both local and national authorities to address climate-related risks.
The initial agricultural irrigation initiative stems from a Participatory Climate Risk Assessment (PCRA) carried out in 2023. The PCRA report offers a detailed, community-focused examination of present and upcoming climate threats within the country's 12 out of 30 districts.
By engaging communities and various stakeholders through an interactive approach, the report presents risk assessments, varying effects among different population groups, and connections between climate change and conflict. It concludes with a ranked list of community-driven adaptation initiatives (LLAIs), focusing on water management, alert mechanisms, sustainable farming practices, and environmentally aware development strategies.
Via FLLoCA, 80 acres of the 200-acre community land have received 1 kilometer of piping, providing direct access to water for irrigation for 60 members. A waterproof pump station housing the pumping equipment has also been built. The farm was equipped with 36 solar panels, each rated at 535 watts. Additionally, farmers were provided with 400 various types of fruit saplings to assist them.
Farmer Mukhtar Bule mentions that water was once a major issue for local farmers. Watering just one acre of farmland needed 5 liters of fuel each week to operate the generator, with one liter priced at Shs. 240 (US$ 2).
"Ever since the solar-powered pumps were put in place, our only task is to turn on the taps and gates, allowing water to flow into our fields through the channels," he states, noting that setting up battery storage systems to allow the solar-powered pump to function after dark and during times of limited sunshine could enhance their efficiency.
As per the Garissa County PCRA Report, the region possesses 710,000 hectares of cultivable land suitable for growing crops and producing feed. Nevertheless, out of the 32,000 hectares capable of being irrigated, just 4,000 are currently in use.
To harness this irrigation capacity amid shifting climatic conditions, the report suggests employing solar-powered irrigation systems, utilizing sealed pipelines for water transport, reinforcing irrigation channels, and implementing drip irrigation methods.
Four solar-powered irrigation initiatives have been finalized under the FLLoCA scheme, with three more currently underway across various neighborhoods.
These consist of Badha farm located in Saka ward, Leheley farm situated in Sankuri ward, Wathajir B farm found in Nanighi ward, Gubatu farm within Iftin ward, Jarajara irrigation project in Jarajara ward, and Egan farm positioned in Balambala ward.
Construction is currently taking place at the Gubatu community farm located in Iftin ward, where a 75-acre land area will be equipped with 1000km of pipelines and 36 solar panels, each rated at 535 watts. In addition to these facilities, this project differs from the first farm as it includes plans for beekeeping hives and seeds of Junkao grass. Farmers are already hopeful that the installation of solar power systems will enhance their agricultural output.
Usmin Abdullahi, a widowed farmer residing at Gubatu farm, mentions that following damage to her generator caused by the Tana River overflowing its banks, she now has no choice but to collect water manually for her plants.
Every day, I make two journeys to collect water, but I remain optimistic that once the project is finished, water will flow to us via the channels," she states. "Then, I'll be able to tend to my farm with ease.
From his perspective, Ali Ahmed, a farmer, mentions that access to water will enhance their production capacity. They mainly grow horticultural crops such as fruits, which they sell in markets throughout Kenya and even as far as South Sudan.
"Water scarcity presents a major issue for us. We've attempted to excavate our own shared water pit on elevated land away from the river to irrigate our fields, but because of extended dry periods, the water source has become empty," he states.
He points out that although the Tana River often overflows its banks and damages their crops, the project will help lower production costs since many of them typically suffer losses when their equipment, such as generators, gets damaged.
Nevertheless, he fears that the 1000km pipeline may not suffice for the collective. "There is disagreement about where to install the pipelines, and we are asking for an expansion of the piping system so that all 75 farmers can gain from it," Ahmed mentions.
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