Solar power drip Irrigation system installed in Marigat sub-county

By Joyce Okuta

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.