Our fact-finding mission on how alternative irrigation models can reduce production costs while increasing produce led us to Linda Kamau's model farm in Gachuriri village, Mbeere South, Embu County.
The 39-year-old has defied all odds to become a beacon of hope to many small-scale farmers. Ms Kamau is on a mission to help local farmers increase production through the use of state-of-the-art agricultural technologies to irrigate their farms.
Through her company SowPrecise Africa, she is not only leveraging her passion for agriculture but also changing the narrative of farming in dry areas.
The company focuses on optimising farming operations within Embu by harnessing advancements in agricultural technology and sharing essential resources with the farmers.
In 2023, her company received a $30,000 (Sh3.8 million) grant from the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) - a program by the United States aimed at investing in the next generation of African leaders - along with technical support to enhance her organisational structures and processes.
This funding is what she is utilising to assist smallholder farmers in her community.
Solar-powered irrigation is a simple farming technology that is radically changing the lives of thousands of smallholder farmers for the better. This applies, especially to farmers in regions where water is sparse and experience unreliable rainfall.
The United Nations Environmental Programme (Unep) says more than 95 per cent of Kenya's agricultural output is grown in rain-fed farming systems, yet only 17 per cent of arable land is deemed suitable for rain-fed agriculture.
"We are standing on a 30-acre model farm where farmers come for first-hand experience on what solar irrigation can do. We are doing rain horse irrigation on blocs of sunflower, maize and sweet potatoes. For now, we are still at the very beginning, and we are identifying existing challenges for improvement," she said.
She revealed that currently, five farmers have benefitted from the initiative, with some 32 acres now under solar-powered irrigation.
"In the coming year, we intend to grow the number of farmers to at least 30," she said.
Laurence Gakuru, a farmer and one of the five beneficiaries, said he opted for solar farming due to its effectiveness and low production cost.
"I tried the diesel and electric irrigation models, but the cost was too high. I have always wanted to produce at my farm at the lowest cost per unit. Here in Embu, we have a lot of sun that is not utilised, and when I was introduced to this solar-based irrigation model, it was a great breakthrough," said Mr Gakuru. He said although the model still faces challenges, especially in its adoption, it can go a long way in improving farmers' welfare in remote areas.
"Our goal at USAID to provide additional capital both commercial and through donations so that as they implement such projects, they can meet other family needs and live meaningful lives," he said.
Mr Gosney said that with good access to water, healthcare facilities, and education, communities become resilient and increase land productivity.
Challenges
For her part, Ms Kamau pointed out that one barrier to technology adaptation is the availability of technical knowledge and practical skills throughout the supply chain, including among system designers, technology suppliers, extension services, craftsmen, and farmers.
She said limited expertise among farmers and inadequate public extension services are the key constraints to small-scale irrigation development.
"Irrigation equipment and support services are costly for smallholders. A major constraint on the expansion of the small-scale irrigation market is the gap between smallholders' capital needs and the availability of loan products," she said.
Her greatest challenge in the implementation of the project has been moving the solar panels from one farm to another.
But through partnerships, her company has invented an electric cart (e-mkokoteni), which is used to move solar panels from one area to another in large farms.
"For my fellow youth across the country, you do not have to always go to employment, venture into agripreneurship and look for partners to support," she added.
She said many youths, however, take on the venture alone and give up so easily when they run out of ideas.
"Do not be afraid to ask for help. Look for mentors to guide you on best practices so that in case you run out of ideas, they will be there to hold your hand," she said.