AGRICULTURE:
Irrigation
Maize plantation at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Mwailu, which carries out research for better agricultural yields int the constituency
Kibwezi Constituency
Irrigation
Irrigation
Irrigation is...an important tool for improving food selfsufficiency and enhancing household incomes in the rural sector.
N
atural resources form the foundation of much of the Kenyan economy today. Agriculture in particular is a cornerstone of the country's economy employing over 65 percent of the Kenyan population. In fact, more than 50 percent of export earnings are attributed to agricultural products with cash crops such as coffee, tea, tobacco, cotton, sisal, pyrethrum, and cashew nuts being the cornerstone of our economy. Eighty percent of the country is arid or semi-arid. In the arid and semi-arid areas sustainable agriculture can only be achieved through well planned and operated irrigation. The Government of Kenya has identified irrigation as an important tool for improving food self-sufficiency and enhancing household incomes in the rural sector. Hon. Kaloki's main agenda on this sector has been to Increase economic opportunities through heavy investment in agri-business by promoting the development of sustainable farmer-owned and managed irrigation and drainage projects, through participatory approach and coordination of stakeholders with the aim of contributing to poverty alleviation, food security and employment creation. He has managed to:„ Introduce commercial bee keeping in the constituency through strategic pilot programmes for women and youth groups. „ Coordinate training of farmer extension officers to impart skills and technologies to farmers' projects. „ Collaborate with the other stakeholders to promote growing of (Jetropha & GADAM Sorghum) and other cash crops. „ Promote poultry (indigenous) keeping as a low investment business venture. „ Promote the growing of traditional, drought tolerant crops such cassava, millet etc „ Ensure that farmers have access to the necessary agricultural business inputs and extension services.
144 Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report
Kibwezi Constituency
Irrigation
Hon. Prof Kaloki with Maanzo during a tour for identification of irrigation site to be funded through the Israel government in Mbosoni Area along Yiu River in Kikumbulyu South ward
French Beans farming at Mbosoni Kikumbulyu South ward is an indicator that commercial horticulture farming can thrive in the constituency.
Hon. Prof. Kaloki, Cllr. Laiti sampling french beans for export at a grading & packaging shade as farmers of Mbosoni area look on.
Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report 145
Irrigation
Kibwezi Constituency
Hon. Prof Kaloki addressing people of Makameni area in Mbui Nzau - Nguumo ward
Hon. Prof. Kaloki with Farmers of Katuka Tene area, Ivingoni Ward working in a Tomato plantation. The farms are irrigated with water from the Katuka Tene Dam constructed through Kibwezi CDF to boost irrigation activities.
146 Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report
Hon. Prof. Kaloki witnessing signing of Memorandum of understanding between University of Nairobi and Israeli government to jointly undertake research and agricultural activities in Kikumbulyu South Ward, Kibwezi Constituency
Irrigation
Kibwezi Constituency
Hon. Prof. Kaloki, University of Nairobi and Israel government officials during the signing of MOU ceremony between the University and Israel government. The partnership is to undertake agricultural research and irrigation projects in the constituency.
148 Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report
Kibwezi Constituency
Irrigation
Maize irrigation trials at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Mwailu.
Cassava plantation trials at Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Mwailu, as an alternative drought resistant crop in the larger Makueni county
Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report 149
Kibwezi Constituency
Irrigation
Hon. Prof. Kaloki flagging off Sorghum seeds, a Kenya Malting Limited partnership project in Kibwezi Constituency. The Sorghum is a drought resistant crop and is used in brewing beer.
French Beans plantation at Mbosoni Area in Kibwezi Constituency.
Horticultural Crops Development Authority Cold storage at Kibwezi used to store fresh horticultural produce from farms in the constituency.
150 Kibwezi Constituency Development Record Report