Mandera County is stepping up efforts to combat the effects of climate change, which continues to pose major challenges to residents, particularly farmers.
Recurrent flash floods along the River Daua have severely impacted agricultural activities, prompting the county government to implement transformative projects aimed at enhancing food security and expanding farming beyond flood-prone areas.
One of the key initiatives is the Yabicho, an irrigation project in Mandera North. This project includes the installation of a 15kW solar-powered water pump with a discharge capacity of 80m³ per hour to ensure a reliable water supply for irrigation.
Additionally, a 22.5kW solar photovoltaic system and a 22kVA standby generator will be installed to run the water pump, guaranteeing uninterrupted operation.
The project is designed to safeguard the livelihoods of households affected by frequent floods by improving irrigation infrastructure and opening up more farmland away from flood zones.
Other projects include the Integrated On-Farm Flood Control Project in Mandera North Sub-County, which aims to restore and enhance the efficiency of the Shantoley Irrigation Scheme.
Gabion wall structures were built along riverine areas to control floods and protect farmlands from destruction.
During a visit to the projects and the most affected farms, Mandera Governor Mohamed Adan Khalif emphasized that his administration will prioritize irrigation and agriculture to boost food security.
He noted that his government is committed to expanding irrigation along the River Daua, ensuring farmers can produce their own food and become self-reliant.
Governor Khalif also assured residents that water-related challenges will be addressed, reducing dependency on relief aid and fostering sustainable agricultural development.
“We are intensifying our response efforts to mitigate the impact of the ravaging drought on our population through emergency water supplies,” he stated
Farmers in Mandera North expressed gratitude to the county government, stating that these projects will enhance food security and provide economic empowerment.
They emphasized that with a focus on farming and irrigation, residents would become self-sufficient rather than relying on humanitarian assistance.
By Adan Mohamed
