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Coping with unpredictable rainfall patterns in Nyando
First posted on https://ccafs.cgiar.org/blog/coping-unpredictable-rainfall-patternsnyando#.WH480bGh3yt
Improved water harvesting technologies enhance crop and livestock production in
Nyando Climate-Smart Villages, increasing household income and food security.
Rainfall patterns in Nyando are becoming increasingly unpredictable, manifested
through late onset and early cessation of rainfall, and more frequent and long dry
spells. Upon onset of rainfall, the intensity is high and leads to flooding. With
changes in rainfall patterns and pressure from other climate-related risks, farmers in
Nyando are forced to adjust fast. Through innovative technologies and practices
supported by the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and
Food Security (CCAFS) and partners, farmers are harvesting water for agricultural
use. Information on the climate-smart technologies and practices is shared through
increased awareness, trainings, exchange visits and local farmer learning events.
Water harvesting innovations for crop and livestock production
Collecting surface runoff—water that flows off land when it rains—is the most
common water harvesting practice in Nyando. Initially, very few farmers had small
livestock watering holes with a capacity of 2,000 litres for collecting surface runoff,
with the majority (98%) of the households relying on rivers and streams. The
improved water harvesting pans farmers are constructing vary in their capacity,
ranging from 48,000 ‒ 100,000 litres for individual households. The water can be
used for a period of up to three months. The smart farms comprised of greenhouse
farming combined with drip irrigation (micro-irrigation) have water harvesting
structures with a much bigger capacity of up to 300,000 litres, and are also used for
fish farming. Increased micro-irrigation in dry spells is used specifically for fast
maturing high value crops such as tomatoes, onions, collards and cabbages. Where
water is sufficient, fruit trees such as grafted mangoes, pawpaw and passion fruits
are also irrigated. The water is also used for enhancing livestock production through
watering, especially the small ruminants and lactating cows and their calves.
In the year 2011, there were about 10 watering holes in the Nyando Climate-Smart
Villages. The number increased to over 120 water harvesting pans by mid-2016, with
an average capacity of 50,000 litres that supply water for about three months. Few
farmers who can afford have purchased and installed dam liners to prevent water
seepage, while others have added shade nets to control evaporation. The majority
of farmers with water pans, however, cannot afford dam liners and instead resorted
to compaction of the pan. With the water pans, many farmers can maintain their
fruit orchards and kitchen gardens during dry spells; while the livestock no longer
suffer from dehydration leading to good health and increased productivity. Overall,
the productivity of the vegetables and fruits has increased, and an increase in milk
production observed as a result of the water harvesting innovation.
How are farmers benefiting?
Eddy Ouko is one of the champion farmers practicing micro-irrigation in Nyando.
Eddy has two water pans that he uses to irrigate his vegetable garden, orchards,
and livestock. He learned about the water harvesting technology among other
improved practices through farmer field schools under Kisumu County Government
agricultural programs, and from research and development institutions.
Water pans have increased water availability for my crops and livestock. Although
manual pumping of water using the Money Maker Pump is involving, my income
doubled within the first season I used the water harvesting practice because the risk
of water stress was addressed. Subsequently, I increased the number of pawpaw
plants from less than 10 to 120, and grafted mangoes from 13 to 75 stems. From
2013 to 2016, my average annual gross income from farming has increased three
fold.” Eddy Ouko – farmer Jimo village of Nyakach, Kisumu County.
More enterprising farmers have taken a step further and incorporated fish farming in
their water pans. John Obuom, for example, earned USD 800 from catfish farming in
his two pans with a combined capacity of 120,000 litres. Currently, less than 20% of
the farmers have these structures, mainly attributed to the intense labour
requirements for digging and compaction; as well as high cost of dam liners.
However, there is huge potential for uptake of the innovation by over 50% of the
households in the next five years.
Read more about how farmers in the Nyando CSVs are coping with climate change:
CCAFS Blog: Diversifying fodder for improved livestock productivity in Nyando
Macoloo C, Recha J, Radeny M, Kinyangi J. 2013. Empowering a local community to
address climate risks and food insecurity in Lower Nyando, Kenya. Case Study
prepared for Hunger • Nutrition • Climate Justice • 2013 | A New Dialogue: Putting
People at the Heart of Global Development. Dublin, Ireland: Irish Aid.
CCAFS Info Note: Kinyangi J, Recha J, Kimeli P, Atakos V. 2015. Climate - smart
villages and the hope of food security in Kenya. CCAFS Info Note. Copenhagen,
Denmark: CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food
Security (CCAFS).
Grand greenhouse plans keep youths farming for a better future