Arid
Lands Information Network (ALIN) in collaboration with Sun Culture Company has
installed solar powered drip irrigation system funded by ACT to promote climate
smart agriculture initiative in Baringo County.
The unique project is implemented by Nolororo Women group, they availed one acre
piece of land for demonstration and are planning to plant tomatoes and onions.
The group began as a merry-go-round with only
three members and later attracted 15 more members with a common goal of
uplifting their living standards. The group was registered with social services
in 2006.
They
started small initiatives like buying kitchen items for each group member from their
monthly contribution of KSH 50.The group members thought of increasing their
shares by contributing KSH 500 each month and later used the money to buy calves
and sold them when mature at the Marigat Auction yard.
In
2007 each member contributed one goat; they also realized that their savings
had increased to KSH 70, 000; they contributed KSH 1000 per member decided to buy
a piece of land where they built two rentals at the local shopping centre.
“We
began farming as a group in 2007, we planted maize on one acre piece of land
and earned KSH 26,000, the second season was better because we increased
acreage and got KSH 53,000,” Said Mrs. Alice Sauroki, the group’s Chairlady.
She
describes climate smart agriculture project by use of solar energy as God given
since they are the first group to implement it in the entire Baringo County.
She
added that, they feel they have owned the project because members contributed
money for fencing one acre piece of land which costs a total of KSH 130,000;
they also catered for the cost buying seeds, ploughing and hiring casuals to
dig a reservoir.
Beatrice
Lerumbe, one of the oldest members of the group said that she is proud of ALIN
for the project because women have many responsibilities at home and have been
using most of their time to irrigate their farms.
“We
spend up to six hours to irrigate only one acre, the cost of buying fuel for
pumping water is expensive, this project will see many farmers especially women
get time to engage in development activities since it takes less time to
irrigate.” Reiterated Beatrice
“I
have understood how the solar irrigation system works, I can fix the pipes and
operate the system,” Said Maria Lemalo, a group member.
Mr.
Kioko from Sunculture company, adviced
the group to ensure security of the equipment and enough spacing while planting
to get more yields.
