Farmers from Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Kajiado County are visiting Perkerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo County to learn practices aimed at improving irrigation productivity, water management and farmers’ incomes.

The three-day farmer-to-farmer exchange, facilitated by the State Department for Irrigation, focuses on governance, water distribution, market access, crop management and dispute resolution.

The National Irrigation Authority management team and Perkerra scheme leaders received the visiting farmers and shared practices used to manage the scheme and sustain production.

Perkerra Scheme Manager David Waweru took the farmers through the scheme’s governance and administrative structures, daily operations and management practices.

Samuel Chebii, the chairperson of Perkerra Cooperative Society, led discussions on market linkages, collective marketing, produce aggregation and value addition. He also shared experiences on how organised farmers can access better markets and improve their incomes.

Nicholas Bowen, the chairperson of Perkerra Irrigation Water Users Association, highlighted the importance of formal registration of irrigation water users associations, adherence to by-laws and equitable water distribution.

Scheme agronomist Justus Kiptum guided the farmers on crop husbandry, water application and techniques to improve productivity, while Justin Kiprono explained the mechanisms used to resolve water-related disputes amicably and maintain cohesion among water users.

The visiting farmers also toured Perkerra’s water source to observe how water is abstracted, conveyed to farms and managed to serve scheme members.

They later visited irrigation blocks, where they interacted with host farmers, observed the crops grown and learnt about crop diversification, field management and production practices.

The exchange is expected to equip Nguruman farmers with practical lessons and technologies they can adapt to improve water management, increase production, strengthen farmer institutions and access wider markets through cooperative societies.

The tour was organised under the Programme for Enhancement of Water Productivity, Production and Sustainability of Irrigation Schemes (PEWAPSIS), led by Maurice Opondo, the director of irrigation water management.

The programme aims to improve the operational efficiency and performance of existing irrigation schemes to support food and nutrition security and increase household incomes.