The Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation under the National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP), has constructed 20 water ponds in different farms in Gatundu North sub-county.
The initiative which is under Sustainable Land Management (SLM) is funded by the Government and the world bank/international Development Association (IDA), and covers about 21 counties in the country, Kiambu county being one of them.
Speaking exclusively to KNA, Agriculture CECM Mr Joseph Kamau said that 20 water ponds are already in their last stages of construction and they plan to construct 120 more water ponds for farmers in Gatundu South, Lari, Limuru and Kikuyu Sub Counties.
He further explained that the water ponds are being put up as a measure for gulley control and water conservation, with the program’s main objective being to increase agricultural productivity and profitability among the residents of Kiambu county.
Just recently the department held their annual County Review Workshop to discuss the progress made in the current financial year and forge a way forward for the next financial year, during the workshop county government issued 25 farmers with pond liners and chest freezers as support towards aquaculture in the County.
Mr Michel Kinyua a farmer and resident of Gatundu South said “the water ponds are a big plus for us since we don’t have to wait for the rainy season to plant, with the availability of water for irrigation we can do farming all through the year and this will definitely increase our income as farmers”
The County project Coordinator Ms Patricia Nyutu who was present during the sight visit at Gatundu said that the programme is meant to improve Livelihoods and reduce vulnerability of targeted rural communities in selected counties.
The programme also supports Kenya’s Vision 2030 whose key element is the development of an innovative, commercially oriented modern agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector.
By Grace Naishoo
