| dc.description.abstract | The main purpose of the study was to determine the impact of irrigation scheme on food
security, a case of Wei-Wei irrigation scheme in Central Pokot District, West Pokot County,
Kenya. The specific objectives of the study included: - to establish various kinds of food
crops grown and quantities produced at Wei-Wei irrigation scheme, to find out the effects of
Wei-Wei irrigation scheme on settlement at Central Pokot District, to find out the influence
of Wei-Wei irrigation scheme on businesses at Central Pokot District, to explore the effects
of Wei-Wei irrigation scheme on education at Central Pokot District, to find out the
contribution of the project to peace and to assess the contribution of the scheme to food
security and the standard of living of the people of Central Pokot. The study employed a
case study research design. A total population of 245 persons was targeted. Stratified simple
random and simple random sampling designs were used to select the sample size.
Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as the main data collection instruments.
Data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with the aid
of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 19. The study established that
cereals are the main food crop grown at Pokot Central as a result of Wei-Wei irrigation
scheme. The production of food has increased to an average of 30-50 bags a year. The study
established that Wei-Wei irrigation Scheme has enhanced settlement of people whereby
structures or buildings are modern and there is no movement of people in search of grass for
the animals. In relations to the influence of Wei-Wei irrigation scheme on business at
Central Pokot District, the respondents indicated that the scheme has opened business
avenues whereby business like hard-wares, shops, car wash, posh-mills and M-Pesa outlets.
The respondents indicated that due to irrigation that has ensured food/abundance/security,
there has been opening of schools (primary, secondary) and tertiary colleges. People are now
getting formal education that will assist to work on the irrigation scheme. Based on the
findings and conclusions of the study, the researcher recommended that Wei-Wei irrigation
scheme management should foster for Expansion of areas under irrigation, institutional
coordination and modernization. This will increase areas under irrigation programme and
ensure improved productivity hence improved food security. The study suggests that further
study should be carried out on effective utilization of rain water for irrigation purposes
alongside maize crop farming like fruits and horticulture. | en |
