Sustainable Water Storage Infrastructure for Irrigated Agriculture: a Case of Gatundu Sub-counties, Kiambu County

Abstract

Water stands as the ultimate limiting factor to Kenyans. Besides, it stands as the primary force that exacerbates soils degradations and significant land degradation. Drought and prolonged periods of dryness are the most dangerous natural risks that cause moisture levels to go below average. Irrigated agriculture is vital for producing food for dry areas classified as arid and semi-arid areas, as it bridges agricultural productions discrepancies emanating from rainfall deficiencies. Approximately one-sixth of land available for agriculture globally is under irrigation and acts as a food reservoir for more than a third of food produced globally. However, the ever-burgeoning population's demand for food, which gives more necessity for agricultural productions, is obtained from agricultural production. As the challenge of water scarcity for irrigation continues to elevate, the cost necessity for developing essential water resources consequentially increases; this becomes a limiting factor for enhancing this fundamental option for irrigated agriculture. The rationale of this study is to explore the sustainability of water storage facilities for irrigated agriculture in the research area. The study utilized both secondary and primary data collection methods. It also entailed GIS analysis of existing data from satellite and aerial imagery. The fieldwork progressed from ward to ward in both sub-counties. The tools used in the field included cameras, household questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation checklists. The data collection methods entailed desktop review, questionnaire administration, field observations, and a face-to-face interview. The study discovered that the primary water source for residents is piping. There are inadequate water storage facilities in Gatundu North and south Sub counties, and irrigated agriculture is rarely practiced due to over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture, land fragmentation, water shortage. Through remote sensing and GIS mapping, the study identifies suitable locations for dams and water pans. The primary strategy towards appropriate water storage structures was constructing dams and water pans at strategic locations. The study concludes that there is a need to establish sustainable water storage solutions in the study area to enhance irrigated agriculture. The study recommends both short and long-term strategies towards achieving sustainable water storage structures for irrigated agriculture. The short-term strategies include preparation of land use zones, feasibility studies for identification of suitable locations, creation of awareness on the need for sustainable water storage structures for irrigated agriculture. The long-term strategies are developing sustainable water storage structures, expanding irrigated agriculture to rain fed agricultural areas, and introducing irrigation scheduling in the area. These strategies will enhance the sustainability of the water storage structures, thus enabling irrigated agriculture.