How to improve the use of irrigation equipment in small scale farming

In order to improve the agricultural sector we need to look at the factors which could contribute to the success of the same and one of this factors is the use of irrigation equipment.

Many farmers in Kenya do not have the required knowledge on how to use irrigation equipment in changing their farms production capacity or in improving their produce because the areas they stay in are so dry making some of their farms to produce close to nothing.

Irrigation Equipment

There are however some steps which need to be followed in order to change this.

Factors to consider while encouraging the use of irrigation equipment in small scale farming

Start with the people

First we need to educate these farmers on the importance of using irrigation equipment and on how they can change the farms produce. They also need to be educated on the types of irrigation equipment that suits their farming styles and how to operate the machines.

This is because a lot of water has been lost when farmers use incorrect type of machine to use on their farms.

Sharing experience

Regular personal interaction between those who can and those who are willing has proved to be a very powerful tool for improvement at all levels. This could be done through field visits and workshops which could be possibly be enhanced by mobile demonstrations. This may have a wider impact which could focus discussions amongst and between farmer’s technical people and possibly even donors.

Improve accessibility

It is important to note that adequate access to equipment, design and installation capacity, spares/ maintenance support, training, finance and enabling government policies would help promote improved small scale irrigation.

Access to finance

Funding criteria needs to be very clear and well known to applicants and should possibly place more emphasis on the importance of communities own analyses, planning and responsibilities and less on external control measures. Pre-feasibility requirements should be on a need to know basis to avoid the costs involved in elaborate studies and should also be structured in a way that it facilitates quick decision making and feedback to the applicants.

Access to training

All the people who are involved in small scale irrigation development could benefit from appropriate training or briefing. Many farmers have expressed a need for hands on familiarization with technology and generally seem to lack a basic understanding of irrigation principles.

Access to equipment

Many scale farmers do not have access to irrigation equipment in the country. In order to address this issue the government must ensure that all farmers from all parts of the country especially the small scale ones are able to access this machines whenever they are in need of them.

Government policies

The government through the ministry of agriculture should also ensure that they put in place policies and measures which will help improve small scale farming using irrigation equipment. It should also be able to regulate the prices of irrigation equipment because most of these small scale farmers cannot afford them.