Farmers learn water-saving irrigation practices at Perkerra
Farmers from Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Magadi, Kajiado County, are learning new approaches to sustainable irrigation and climate-resilient farming during a three-day exchange visit to Perkerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo County.
The visit, facilitated by the State Department for Irrigation, aims to strengthen farmers’ skills in water management, crop production, marketing and institutional governance by sharing practical experiences from the two schemes.
During the exchange, Perkerra Scheme Manager David Waweru outlined the governance structures, administrative systems and operational practices that have supported the scheme’s productivity over the years.
Nicholas Bowen, Chairperson of the Perkerra Irrigation Water Users Association, highlighted the importance of registering irrigation water users’ associations, enforcing agreed by-laws and ensuring fair distribution of water resources to minimise conflicts and promote efficient water use.
Farmers also explored ways to improve their earnings through stronger market connections and collective marketing. Samuel Chebii, Chairperson of the Perkerra Cooperative Society, shared experiences on produce aggregation, value addition and cooperative arrangements that enable farmers to access larger markets.
Agronomist Justus Kiptum guided the visiting farmers through crop management techniques, improved farming practices and efficient water application methods aimed at increasing agricultural productivity.
The exchange also addressed dispute resolution, with community elder Justin Kiprono explaining approaches used at Perkerra to settle water-related disagreements peacefully and maintain cooperation among irrigation scheme members.
Beyond the discussions, the visiting farmers toured the scheme’s water source to observe how supplies are abstracted, conveyed to farms and managed to serve members. They also visited irrigation blocks, interacted with host farmers and examined crop diversification, field management and production practices.
The benchmarking exercise is expected to help Nguruman farmers identify practical approaches they can adapt to their local conditions to improve water-use efficiency, strengthen farmer institutions and increase agricultural output.
The programme is being coordinated under the Program for Enhancement of Water Productivity, Production and Sustainability of Irrigation Schemes (PEWAPSIS), led by Director of Irrigation Water Management Maurice Opondo.
PEWAPSIS seeks to improve the operational efficiency and performance of existing irrigation schemes, supporting food and nutrition security while strengthening household incomes through more productive and sustainable farming.
