The Turkana County Assembly has adopted recommendations aimed at addressing challenges facing the Katilu irrigation scheme in Turkana South Sub-County, with a focus on funding, infrastructure development and improved coordination among stakeholders.
The recommendations are contained in a report by the Committee on Agriculture, Pastoral Economy and Fisheries following a field visit to Turkana South during the second edition of Bunge Mashinani.
The committee called on both the Turkana County Government and the National Government to provide adequate funding for irrigation schemes to improve agricultural productivity and support farmers.
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It also recommended that the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) set aside machinery specifically for the irrigation schemes, while development partners, including the World Food Programme (WFP), were urged to support the initiative.
On infrastructure, the committee proposed the desilting of existing canals and the construction of modern irrigation facilities and canals. It further called for deliberate measures to remove Prosopis juliflora, an invasive plant affecting land use in the region.
The report also highlighted the need to address conflicts between farmers and herders around irrigation areas.
It recommended that the County Department of Agriculture establish conflict resolution committees to handle disputes. The National Irrigation Authority and the county department were also urged to allocate part of the irrigation scheme for fodder production and create designated livestock access routes to the river.
The committee further called for the provision of water pans to support livestock watering.
To improve coordination, the department was urged to bring all development partners working in the sector together to avoid duplication of activities and ensure resources are used effectively.
The report also addressed disagreements involving the scheme management committee, growers, Kenya Seed Company, farmers and cooperative societies.
It recommended that the Department of Agriculture convene the stakeholders to resolve misunderstandings over charges and delays in payments by the Kenya Seed Company.
Additionally, the committee called for the strengthening and funding of Katilu Farmers' Cooperative Society through the Co-operatives Directorate to make it fully operational and better positioned to support local farmers.
The adopted recommendations are intended to guide efforts to improve irrigation infrastructure, strengthen agricultural activities and address management challenges affecting the Katilu irrigation scheme.