CDA keen to expand irrigation and water development for food security
The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is actively seeking strategic partnerships to revitalize and expand its key projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, water access and community resilience.
CDA is implementing water management and irrigation projects in Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale and Lamu counties to ensure stable and increased food production to feed the citizenry.
One of the central projects under focus is the Boji Smallholder Irrigation Project in Tana River County, which currently supports over 500 farmers on more than 200 acres of fertile farmland.
This initiative plays a crucial role in improving food security and providing stable incomes for local communities.
However, the project is facing significant challenges due to the altered course of the Tana River, which has impacted the efficiency of water access for irrigation.
CDA Acting Managing director (MD) Pamela Ngure emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in overcoming these challenges.
Ngure says CDA is committed to expanding irrigation and water development and reactivating the moribund schemes in its bid to enhance food security in the coastal region.
“While the Boji project is well-positioned due to the region’s favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil, the shifting of the river course has disrupted water supply for irrigation,” she noted.
The MD says irrigation schemes have huge potentials for food security, wealth creation, poverty reduction and job creation in the region.
“We are seeking collaboration with various stakeholders and partners to restore and expand the project, ensuring it can continue to deliver value to the farmers and communities it serves,” she said.
The Boji Irrigation Project has long been a pillar of agricultural development in Tana River County, providing local farmers with the opportunity to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of the seasonal fluctuations in rainfall.
The project supports the local economy by increasing food production and providing a reliable source of income for hundreds of smallholder farmers.
However, the changing river course has led to challenges in securing a consistent and reliable water supply, threatening the project’s long-term viability.
Ngure says CDA, with its partners, is focused on finding sustainable solutions to address the water accessibility issues, aiming to enhance the efficiency and scale of the irrigation system.
She stated that revitalizing the Boji Irrigation Project is crucial not only for improving agricultural outputs but also for securing food sources and supporting the socio-economic wellbeing of the local population.
In addition to the Boji project, CDA is spearheading several other water and agriculture-focused initiatives in Tana River that aim to address broader regional challenges such as drought, water scarcity, and food insecurity. These efforts are vital to the long-term development of the region.
Ngure pointed out that one such initiative is the Wayuboru Water Pan, a critical resource for both people and livestock.
Located in Tana River County, the water pan serves 3,000 residents and provides water for over 8,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep and goats.
It has become a vital lifeline during dry periods, offering much-needed water to the community, ensuring both drought resilience and continuity in education, as children no longer need to spend long hours in search of water.
She says the water pan is an example of how strategic water resources can enhance both community health and educational outcomes.
The CDA’s commitment to addressing the needs of communities in Tana River was highlighted during a recent visit by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development led by the chairperson and MP for Sigor Peter Lochakapong.
The committee inspected the Boji Smallholder Irrigation Project, the Wayuboru Water Pan, and other CDA-led initiatives in the region
Lochakapong said the purpose of the visit was to evaluate the progress of these two vital projects, both of which hold immense socio-economic potential for the region, providing essential water resources and supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of families through agricultural activities.
The visit underscored the critical role of CDA’s projects in improving local livelihoods and strengthening community resilience against climate-related challenges.
The delegation noted the importance of continued support and partnership to scale up these initiatives, especially in light of the growing impact of climate change on water availability and food security.
CDA’s community-based approach, which involves active local participation and ownership of projects, was highlighted as a key factor in ensuring the sustainability and success of these interventions.
As the CDA works to expand its impact, Ngure emphasized the need for continued collaboration with stakeholders, both public and private.
“Our goal is to improve socio-economic development within the coast region, despite the challenges we face,” Ngure said.
She went further said, “We are committed to seeking funding and resources from both the national government and international donors and we aim to deliver innovative solutions through strategic planning and coordination.”
CDA has long been a driving force behind the improvement of livelihoods and environmental resilience in the coastal region.
Its approach to water management and agricultural innovation has yielded significant results, addressing food insecurity, water scarcity and poverty, while fostering long-term community empowerment.
Ngure said the Authority remains committed to implementing programs that align with the broader development agenda for the region.
“CDA is focused on spearheading projects that are designed to meet the unique needs of our communities,” Ngure remarked.
“From water management to sustainable agriculture and environmental preservation, we aim to reduce poverty levels while improving the quality of life across the region,” she said.
Ngure emphasized the Authority’s dedication to working closely with local communities, ensuring their active involvement from project inception to completion.
“Our goal is to ensure that these communities own and sustain the agricultural and water projects long after they are commissioned,” she added.
This community-driven approach has proven critical in ensuring the long-term success of the initiatives.
Prolonged droughts, irregular rainfall and declining water availability have made traditional rain-fed agriculture unsustainable.
The CDA MD says despite abundant natural resources such as permanent rivers, underground water sources and fertile soil, food insecurity remains a persistent issue, primarily due to water scarcity and poverty.
She says CDA has stepped in to bridge this gap, implementing large-scale water management initiatives aimed at improving access to reliable water sources and promoting irrigated agriculture.
These efforts are crucial in ensuring food security, economic stability and resilience to climate-related shocks.
According to Ngure, irrigated agriculture has proven to be an essential tool in enhancing food and nutrition security across the region.
She says by utilizing the region’s natural resources for irrigation, CDA has provided farmers with a dependable water supply, enabling them to grow crops throughout the year, irrespective of rainfall patterns.
This has not only improved food production but also increased household incomes and reduced dependency on food aid.
The CDA’s mission to uplift local communities is reflected in its focus on providing access to clean, reliable water for both domestic and agricultural use. Through projects that improve water access and enable sustainable farming practices, CDA has made notable strides in transforming the region’s agricultural landscape.
Ismael Hamis, a farmer from Kilifi County, shares his experience: “I have more time to spend on the farm and with my children. I no longer worry about water shortages because CDA constructed a water pan near my home.”
His sentiment reflects a broader trend across the region, where improved water access has led to increased productivity and enhanced quality of life.
“We used to wake up very early to fetch water, walking miles each day to collect it for daily tasks. The water was sourced from swamps, leading to numerous health issues, including typhoid,” he said.
He opines that the establishment of water kiosks by the CDA has transformed this situation.
He added, “the reduction in waterborne diseases has allowed children to focus on their studies rather than spend hours fetching water.”
In Taita Taveta, where CDA has constructed several water kiosks, the positive impact on the community is evident.
Previously, families struggled with the high cost of accessing water, which often came from distant sources.
With the new water systems, the cost of water has significantly reduced, providing economic relief to local families.
Additionally, the installation of water kiosks has created employment opportunities, such as the sale of water in areas like Kasokoni, which has boosted local incomes.
The impact of dirty water on health and household chores was another issue that CDA sought to address.
A recent initiative by the CDA involved drilling and equipping the Ikanga Borehole, which provides over 10,000 liters of water per day to surrounding communities.
This project is a lifeline for local residents, who previously faced significant water scarcity.
In addition, the Wayuboru Water Pan in Tana Riveris when completed will benefit over 3,000 residents, 8,000 livestock and 10,000 sheep and goats; is another example of CDA’s successful water management projects.
This water pan will provide a reliable supply of water to the surrounding communities, drastically improving access to this essential resource for both people and animals.
As CDA continues to implement water management and agricultural initiatives across the coastal region, the positive ripple effects of these projects will be felt for generations to come.
With an emphasis on sustainability, community ownership and resilience to climate change, CDA is laying the foundation for a more prosperous, water-secure future for the region.
Through its dedication to transformative development, CDA is not only addressing immediate needs, but also investing in long-term solutions that will enhance the quality of life for all residents of the Coast region.
By Hussein Abdullahi
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