CDA, Kenya expands irrigation schemes to enhance food security

The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is expanding the multi-million shilling Chakama Irrigation scheme in Malindi sub-county of Kilifi to enhance food security.

CDA set up the 220-acre Chakama agriculture project in 2019 in the arid Chakama location that is prone to famine as rain-fed farming is no longer viable. The authority is spending Sh33 million to establish Gava, Kibora and Kanduru schemes due to increased demand for irrigated agriculture in the region.

So far, CDA has developed demonstration plots in each scheme to teach farmers how to engage in agribusiness and farming related commercial activities. Dr. Mohamed Keinan, CDA Managing Director (MD) said the new irrigation schemes covering 800 acres are being rolled out to assist in boosting food production and upgrading living standards of the beneficiaries.

Food insecurity

Dr. Keinan says the solar-powered Chakama scheme was initiated to assist in boosting food production and upgrading living standards of the residents in the arid location. He noted that providing food and nutrition security to residents of the coastal region remains one of CDA’s top most goals.

“Smallholder farmers across the coastal region have been facing food insecurity as a result of climate-induced droughts and lack of effective use of irrigation schemes,” he said, adding that the adoption of small-scale irrigation schemes and value addition projects is essential in the eradication of poverty and improving food security.

Similar small-holder irrigation projects are being implemented in Kwale, Taita Taveta and Tana River counties. Lack of irrigated agriculture puts at risk the livelihoods of hundreds of smallholder farmers who remain hostage to climate variability.

“To address these threats CDA is setting ambitious targets for irrigation expansion and increased farm productivity. As CDA we want to reduce poverty by scaling up irrigation projects which are seen as critical to boosting crop production, cushioning the effects of climate change and sustaining livelihoods,” said Dr. Keinan adding that agriculture is often greatly hampered due to irregular and insufficient rainfall.