Impact Of Irrigation Scheme On Food Security: A Case Of Wei-wei Irrigation Scheme In Central Pokot District, West Pokot County, Kenya

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.