The Technical Assistance for Kenya Small-Scale Irrigation and Value Addition Project (TA-KSIVAP) was a six-year program supported by the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program (GAFSP). It was carried out by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives (MoALF&C) and the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project, which took place from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2022, aimed to improve irrigation infrastructure, enhance agro-processing and value addition, and build institutional capacity to foster agricultural sustainability in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). It spanned eleven counties, including Bomet, Kajiado, Kitui, Machakos, Makueni, Meru, Murang’a, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Tana River, and Tharaka Nithi.
Implementation Status
The project was successfully completed in June 2022. During its implementation, TA-KSIVAP concentrated on several key areas:
- Irrigation Development: This involved the construction and rehabilitation of small-scale irrigation systems to support the cultivation of high-value horticultural crops.
- Agro-Processing and Value Addition: The project established facilities for post-harvest handling and storage, including cold storage and drying units.
- Access to Finance: Collaborations were formed with local financial institutions to offer credit facilities to farmers.
- Capacity Building: Smallholder farmers received training on best practices in irrigation, value addition, and agribusiness.
By the end of the project, thousands of smallholder farmers had gained from improved water access, resulting in increased crop yields and better market access.
Key Findings
- Increased Agricultural Productivity: The development of irrigation allowed for year-round crop production, significantly decreasing farmers’ vulnerability to drought.
- Enhanced Market Linkages: The creation of agro-processing facilities improved the quality and shelf life of produce, boosting competitiveness in both local and international markets.
- Food Security and Economic Growth: The project led to higher incomes for farmers, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved food security in the targeted regions.
- Sustainability Challenges: Despite the successes, challenges remained, including the high operational costs of irrigation systems and the limited adoption of modern value-addition techniques by farmers.