Napuu irrigation scheme unlocking the potential of Turkana

The Napuu Irrigation Scheme, located 16 kilometers east of Lodwar town, showcases how expert support can unlock Turkana County’s food production potential to produce enough food to sustain itself and supply other regions.

For instance, the scheme’s successful harvest of watermelons exceeded local demand in Lodwar, attracting markets in Kitale and Uganda.

Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) Managing Director, Sammy Naporos, reports that the 150-acre farm currently houses 100 households.

According to Naporos, the president has instructed KVDA to develop the first 52,000 hectares of land for irrigation, with the aim of producing food in Turkana and West Pokot counties. The farm produces various crops such as sorghum, maize, watermelons, and more.

During a visit to the farm, Cabinet Secretary for EAC Affairs, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development Beatrice Askul expressed her joy as she joined residents in marveling at the scheme’s success.

Accompanied by County Commissioner Julius Kavita, Askul announced plans to expand irrigation farming in the area, citing Loyapat and Todonyang as future sites for irrigation projects.

“I am proud of what KVDA is doing. We are going to expand irrigation farming, and this year we shall revive the Loyapat irrigation scheme, which had stalled due to conflict but has now been resolved,” said Askul.

The CS emphasized that Turkana’s arable land, coupled with expert guidance,  could significantly reduce reliance on relief supplies.

A  committee member of the scheme, Sospeter Munyes,  noted that the farm has not only provided food for vulnerable populations, but has also become a source of livelihood for many farmers.

However, Munyes appealed to the government to allocate more resources to KVDA to expand the land under irrigation and include more farmers.

On the other hand, Naporos added that the farm serves as a model for training farmers to embrace agriculture as a way of life.

Meanwhile, traditionally reliant on pastoralism, Turkana County has seen a shift as smallholder farmers adopt farming practices, digging boreholes to grow food crops.

“The farmers have registered in a cooperative society, and we aim to link them with markets, including Kenya Breweries Limited,” said Naporos.

Additionally, he underscored the importance of diversification in the face of climate change to enhance community resilience.

By Peter Gitonga