Mombasa: The Coast Development Authority (CDA) is actively seeking strategic partnerships to revitalize and expand its key projects aimed at improving agricultural productivity, water access, and community resilience. CDA is implementing water management and irrigation projects in Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kilifi, Kwale, and Lamu counties to ensure stable and increased food production to feed the citizenry.
According to Kenya News Agency, one of the central projects under focus is the Boji Smallholder Irrigation Project in Tana River County, which currently supports over 500 farmers on more than 200 acres of fertile farmland. This initiative plays a crucial role in improving food security and providing stable incomes for local communities. However, the project is facing significant challenges due to the altered course of the Tana River, which has impacted the efficiency of water access for irrigation.
CDA Acting Managing Director Pamela Ngure emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships in overcoming
these challenges. Ngure says CDA is committed to expanding irrigation and water development and reactivating the moribund schemes in its bid to enhance food security in the coastal region. ‘While the Boji project is well-positioned due to the region’s favorable climatic conditions and fertile soil, the shifting of the river course has disrupted water supply for irrigation,’ she noted.
Ngure stated that irrigation schemes have huge potentials for food security, wealth creation, poverty reduction, and job creation in the region. ‘We are seeking collaboration with various stakeholders and partners to restore and expand the project, ensuring it can continue to deliver value to the farmers and communities it serves,’ she said.
The Boji Irrigation Project has long been a pillar of agricultural development in Tana River County, providing local farmers with the opportunity to cultivate crops throughout the year, regardless of the seasonal fluctuations in rainfall. The project supports the local economy by increasin
g food production and providing a reliable source of income for hundreds of smallholder farmers. However, the changing river course has led to challenges in securing a consistent and reliable water supply, threatening the project’s long-term viability.
Ngure says CDA, with its partners, is focused on finding sustainable solutions to address the water accessibility issues, aiming to enhance the efficiency and scale of the irrigation system. She stated that revitalizing the Boji Irrigation Project is crucial not only for improving agricultural outputs but also for securing food sources and supporting the socio-economic wellbeing of the local population.
In addition to the Boji project, CDA is spearheading several other water and agriculture-focused initiatives in Tana River that aim to address broader regional challenges such as drought, water scarcity, and food insecurity. These efforts are vital to the long-term development of the region. Ngure pointed out that one such initiative is the Wayuboru Water Pan,
a critical resource for both people and livestock. Located in Tana River County, the water pan serves 3,000 residents and provides water for over 8,000 cattle and 10,000 sheep and goats.
The CDA’s commitment to addressing the needs of communities in Tana River was highlighted during a recent visit by the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Regional Development led by the chairperson and MP for Sigor Peter Lochakapong. The committee inspected the Boji Smallholder Irrigation Project, the Wayuboru Water Pan, and other CDA-led initiatives in the region. Lochakapong said the purpose of the visit was to evaluate the progress of these two vital projects, both of which hold immense socio-economic potential for the region, providing essential water resources and supporting the livelihoods of hundreds of families through agricultural activities.
As the CDA works to expand its impact, Ngure emphasized the need for continued collaboration with stakeholders, both public and private. ‘Our goal is to improve socio
-economic development within the coast region, despite the challenges we face,’ Ngure said. She went further to say, ‘We are committed to seeking funding and resources from both the national government and international donors and we aim to deliver innovative solutions through strategic planning and coordination.’
According to Ngure, irrigated agriculture has proven to be an essential tool in enhancing food and nutrition security across the region. She says by utilizing the region’s natural resources for irrigation, CDA has provided farmers with a dependable water supply, enabling them to grow crops throughout the year, irrespective of rainfall patterns. This has not only improved food production but also increased household incomes and reduced dependency on food aid.
The CDA’s mission to uplift local communities is reflected in its focus on providing access to clean, reliable water for both domestic and agricultural use. Through projects that improve water access and enable sustainable farming practices, C
DA has made notable strides in transforming the region’s agricultural landscape. As CDA continues to implement water management and agricultural initiatives across the coastal region, the positive ripple effects of these projects will be felt for generations to come. With an emphasis on sustainability, community ownership, and resilience to climate change, CDA is laying the foundation for a more prosperous, water-secure future for the region.