By Erick Otieno
Farmers in Migori County have a reason to smile following a collaborative initiative by the Lake Region Development Programme (LRDP), Child Fund, and Solar Powered Water Drip Energy (Spowdi).
The organizations have introduced an innovative solar-powered irrigation kit designed to enhance food security among smallholder farmers.
The new technology, which relies solely on solar energy, was piloted last week in Nyamosense Komosoko Ward in Kuria West and North Kadem Ward in Nyatike Sub-County.
Speaking during the launch, Mr. Harish Reddy, a Spowdi associate from Sweden, assured farmers that the irrigation system is user-friendly and affordable. “This technology requires only sunlight to operate. Farmers only need a water source deeper than five meters where the motor will be submerged and powered using solar panels,” he explained.
Mr. Peter Shikuku, the Chief Executive Officer of LRDP, emphasized the transformative potential of the irrigation kit. “This system will not only ensure food security for smallholder farmers but also enable them to produce surplus for sale in the market,” he noted.
The kits, which are tailored for drip irrigation, are especially effective for high-value horticultural crops such as kales, cabbages, tomatoes, and watermelons. Pioneer farmers from the two wards have already received the kits for use on their farms.
Child Fund, a key partner in the project, is funding LRDP’s activities, which include economic empowerment, education, livelihood transformation, and adolescent health. LRDP operates in Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Siaya, and Homa Bay, among other counties in the Lake Region Economic Bloc.
The solar-powered irrigation kits will retail at Ksh. 130,000, providing a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for irrigation.
This initiative is expected to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Migori County and beyond.
