Farmers in Baringo County are experiencing a major turnaround in their agricultural fortunes, thanks to contract farming under the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme. The transformation is largely driven by improved irrigation infrastructure and access to guaranteed seed markets.
A key shift occurred in 2024 following the repair of a damaged water intake from River Perkerra. This restoration allowed irrigation to resume, enabling farmers to plan and engage in seed production in collaboration with seed companies. As a result, many farmers have transitioned from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture, primarily focusing on contract-based seed maize production.
Farmers under the scheme report significant income boosts through partnerships with seed companies offering competitive prices. The move to contract farming has provided a stable source of revenue, with some farmers noting they can now comfortably cover household expenses such as school fees, healthcare, and food. The seed maize germination rate, estimated at nearly 99 per cent, ensures reliable yields and a steady income stream.
However, water availability remains a concern. Farmers have called on the government to construct a dam to secure year-round water supply. During dry periods, reduced water flow often leads to disputes and crop failure. A consistent irrigation source, they argue, would bring both agricultural productivity and community stability.
The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) has stepped in to address infrastructure challenges, including those caused by recent El Niño floods. With repairs now complete, the scheme is back to full operation, and plans are underway to put all 3,500 acres of the scheme back under crop production.
Nationally, the Authority is targeting 1.5 million acres under irrigation by 2030, up from the current 761,000 acres. This expansion aligns with the Kenya Vision 2030, the National Irrigation Policy of 2017, and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. Despite the growth, irrigated areas still account for less than five per cent of Kenya’s arable land, highlighting the untapped potential.
The northern frontier counties, including Baringo, Turkana, West Pokot, and Elgeyo Marakwet, are a priority in the irrigation push. In addition to Perkerra’s 5,300 acres, micro-irrigation initiatives such as Barwesa (1,000 acres) and smaller clusters in Kapkuikui, Molo Sirwe, Kamsokoi, Sandai, Aiwet, and Eldume are making gradual progress.
Ongoing projects include the Komolion drought mitigation project, supporting 100 farmers on 100 acres, and the Kadokoyang borehole, which supports 100 farmers on 12 acres. Various water pans, boreholes, and small dams are being developed to serve an additional 1,135 acres and 1,727 farmers.
Pilot projects are also underway using Lake Baringo water to irrigate 2,000 acres in Tiaty and Baringo North, with long-term plans to expand to 60,000 acres. A major component of this expansion is the proposed Radat Dam, expected to support an extra 50,000 acres and directly benefit the Perkerra scheme.
In 2023, 2,600 acres in the scheme were dedicated to contract seed maize production, yielding 4,160 tonnes. The venture earned Sh457.6 million from seed maize, Sh80 million from green grams, Sh50 million from pawpaws grown on 120 acres, and Sh100 million from 200 acres of horticultural crops.
