Turkana Farmers Endorse Contract Farming to Boost Crop Production

In Summary

• Farmers in Morulem, Lokubae, Elelea, Katilu, and Nawapeto irrigation schemes support contract farming.
• Model ensures stable markets, quality inputs, and technical support for farmers.
• Turkana’s irrigation schemes cover 7,859 hectares, supporting 28% of the population.
• Crops like groundnuts, sorghum, and watermelons thrive under contract arrangements.
• Challenges include water reliability, high input costs, and invasive weeds.
• County plans to expand contract farming and irrigation by 2026.

Farmers from the Morulem, Lokubae, Elelea, Katilu, and Nawapeto irrigation schemes in Turkana County have strongly endorsed the adoption of the contract farming model to enhance crop and horticultural production, according to a stakeholder forum held in Lodwar on August 3, 2025.

The model, which links farmers with agribusinesses for guaranteed markets and inputs, is seen as a game-changer for Turkana’s arid agricultural zones, where 56 irrigation schemes span 7,859 hectares and sustain approximately 340,000 people (28% of the population).

The Katilu Irrigation Scheme, covering 1,500 acres along the Turkwel River, exemplifies the model’s potential. Farmer Joseph Natapar, a beneficiary, reported stable incomes from his two-acre maize and watermelon farm, enabling him to pay school fees. “Contract farming gives us seeds, training, and buyers, reducing risks,” he said.

A 2019 study by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab in Western Kenya found that contract farming, supported by SMS reminders, increased yields and farmer revenues, though results vary over time.

A two-year pilot by Egerton University, Turkana County, and the FAO identified these schemes as having suitable soils for high-value crops like groundnuts (Mwangaza, Ndovu), sorghum (Elkari, EUSV1), and watermelons (F1 Sukari). The county’s KSh 500 million investment in schemes like Katilu (KSh 100 million) and Lokubae supports infrastructure upgrades, including canals and drip irrigation, to boost productivity.

Deborah Akiru, a Katilu farmer, highlighted the success of groundnut contracts under an FAO-backed project. “I switched from maize to groundnuts, earning good money through guaranteed buyers,” she said, crediting FAO training. The project’s Groundnuts Strategic Plan aims to make Turkana a leading producer, with 68.1% of households growing legumes and 66.7% producing grains.

Challenges persist, including unreliable water supply due to silt-blocked canals, high input costs, and the invasive Prosopis Juliflora weed, which affects schemes like Morulem and Lokubae. Farmers like Alice Asuguru from Nawapeto called for solar-powered irrigation and weed control measures. “Water shortages disrupt our contracts. We need better systems,” she said.

A 2019 Nation report noted that poor canal maintenance and invasive shrubs have historically undermined schemes like Elelea and Morulem.

County Agriculture Director Victor Lochee reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up contract farming, aligning with the County Integrated Development Plan. “We’re zoning partners into food hubs at Katilu, Morulem, and others to commercialize production,” he said, citing a KSh 92 million investment in Naipa and plans to clear invasive weeds.

The county is also exploring exchange programs with farmers from Nyahururu and Laikipia to enhance agribusiness skills.

By 2026, Turkana aims to expand irrigation to 10,000 hectares and strengthen partnerships with organizations like the National Irrigation Authority and Farm Africa to ensure sustainable contract farming, boosting food security and farmer incomes.