( Lamu) – The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is stepping up efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, water access, and community resilience across Kenya’s coastal region through strategic partnerships and key irrigation and water management projects.
The CDA has been implementing water management and irrigation initiatives in Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale, and Lamu counties to ensure sustainable food production and improve the region’s food security. These efforts are critical for boosting local agricultural output, especially in the face of droughts and erratic rainfall patterns that have hampered traditional rain-fed farming methods.
Among the primary projects the CDA is focusing on is the Boji Smallholder Irrigation Project in Tana River County, which currently benefits over 500 farmers working on more than 200 acres of fertile land. The initiative has become a vital source of food security, providing consistent crop production and stable incomes for local farmers. However, the project has faced challenges due to the shifting course of the Tana River, which has disrupted the water supply needed for irrigation.
Pamela Ngure, the Acting Managing Director of the CDA, underscored the importance of building strategic partnerships to overcome these challenges and expand irrigation infrastructure. Ngure emphasized that irrigation projects, such as the Boji project, hold vast potential for transforming food security, wealth creation, poverty reduction, and job creation in the region.
“Despite the challenges posed by the shifting river course, Boji remains well-positioned due to the region’s favorable climate and fertile soil,” Ngure said. “We are working with stakeholders to restore and expand this crucial project to ensure it continues benefiting the farmers and communities.”
The CDA is also focused on revitalizing other agricultural initiatives in the region, including expanding water supply systems and improving the overall efficiency of irrigation networks. The goal is to provide farmers with the tools they need to succeed year-round, independent of seasonal rainfall.
Another notable initiative is the Wayuboru Water Pan in Tana River, which provides water to over 3,000 residents and serves as a vital water source for 8,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep and goats. The water pan is particularly crucial during dry periods, offering much-needed water for both people and livestock, which in turn ensures that children no longer need to spend hours fetching water and can focus on their studies.
Ngure highlighted the importance of such water resources in enhancing both community health and educational outcomes. “Water security has a direct impact on livelihoods and the overall development of our communities,” she said.
The CDA’s initiatives in the region were recently assessed by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development. The committee, led by Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, visited the Boji Irrigation Project and the Wayuboru Water Pan to evaluate the progress of these projects and their socio-economic benefits. The visit underscored the importance of continued support and collaboration to scale up these initiatives, especially given the growing impact of climate change on water availability and food security.
As the CDA seeks to scale up its efforts, Ngure emphasized the need for ongoing collaboration with public and private sector partners. “We are committed to seeking funding and resources from both the national government and international donors to ensure that we can deliver sustainable solutions that address the region’s challenges,” she said.
The CDA’s work has already made significant strides in improving water access and agricultural practices, especially in areas like Kilifi and Taita Taveta. In Kilifi, the construction of water kiosks has alleviated the burden of water scarcity for local families and provided economic relief by reducing the cost of water. The water kiosks have also created employment opportunities, boosting the local economy.
Farmers like Ismael Hamis from Kilifi have experienced firsthand the benefits of improved water access. “I no longer worry about water shortages, and I have more time to focus on farming and my children,” he said. “The water kiosks have transformed our lives by providing clean, reliable water and reducing the health risks associated with contaminated water.”
In addition to these improvements, the CDA recently completed the Ikanga Borehole project, which provides more than 10,000 liters of water per day to surrounding communities. The borehole has become an essential resource for residents who previously faced significant water scarcity.
Ngure stressed the CDA’s commitment to long-term development and sustainability. “Our approach focuses on creating resilient communities and ensuring that local people are actively involved in the ownership and management of these projects,” she said. “We want to ensure that the benefits of our work are felt for generations to come.”