New project set to feed Nyanza residents

"However, we shall start with the crops the farmers are used to such as maize and sorghum. We’ll then introduce horticultural crops such as cabbages, tomatoes and onions," said Amenya.

A resident, Mr Shem Ouko Modi, said flooding is one of the worst problems residents have been facing.

He said whenever flash floods hit, farmers are left destitute. Modi is also the assistant secretary of Oluch Irrigation Water Users Association.

"Here, the floods are dangerous. We hope they’ll be controlled," he said.

A monitoring and evaluation specialist, Ms Pamela Ndeda, confirmed although the area has poor rains, it is occasionally hit by flooding.

When this happens, the rivers burst their banks, leading to the destruction of crops. Farmers are also displaced.

To deal with the issue, the project has a conservation element that is aimed at reducing flooding and soil erosion. This will also ensure the quality of the soil is maintained.

She said the project is liaising with environmental conservation stakeholders.

"We are going to partner with Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, the Lake Basin Development Authority and the Kenya Forestry Service to ensure our efforts are successful," she said.

DOUBLE TRAGEDY

The Chairman of Kimira Irrigation Water Users Association, Mr James Mboya, said farmers were happy with the project and were supporting it. He added they hope to use and share the resource in a sustainable way.

However, some farmers who have tried cultivating their land and fishing have experienced a double tragedy.

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