Smallholder Irrigation Projects
Some of the Programmes/Projects which have been implemented over the years include:
1. Kibirigwi Irrigation scheme – This was the first project that TARDA studied and implemented to enable the local communities access water for irrigation in their farms. The success of the project is always seen because it promoted production of family foods, employment as well as commercial farming along Sagana-Karatina road.
2. Rupingazi and Thanantu Valley Irrigation Scheme – studies on the two (2) sites were carried out for projects implementation under similar model of the Kibirigwi.
TARDA has also carried out promotion of food security and employment in dry and semi-arid areas of various
counties such as; Kiambu, Murangá, Nyeri, Embu, Makueni, Kajiado & Tana Delta through enabling the
communities gain access to water for their family food production. This includes construction of water pans,
solar propelled boreholes, water intakes development and reticulation systems. This programme was geared
towards promoting bulk water supply for domestic use and livestock use, food security, job creation and
enhance rural livelihoods.
3. Kieni and Muranga Smallhoder Irrigation Projects
TARDA has since 2017 to 2021 implemented the above programme by provision of over fifteen (15) smallholder irrigation schemes across the dry parts of Kieni and Muranga areas. The overall goal of the program is to enhance economic recovery and improve the livelihoods of communities in the regions during drought crises particularly the dry areas through provision of affordable water and support of socio-economic activities.
Implementation of the project has considerably improved the social economic status of the people in line with the Economic Stimulus Programme in the regions besides contributing to the Big 4 Agenda mainly Food and Nutrition Security thereby contributing to the achievement of 15% GDP by 2022.
Key outputs comprised of: –
- Construction of nine (9) smallholder schemes in Kieni area, Nyeri County that has provided water to over 5,000 households and helped irrigate over 250ha of land.
- Construction of six (6) smallholder schemes in dry areas of Muranga County that has provided water to over 2,000 households and helped irrigate over 100ha of land.
- Provision of sustainable livelihood opportunities to enhance resilience and adaptation to climate change.
