REEEP IMPAQT Case Study: Solar Irrigation in Kenya
REEEP
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Abstract: Agriculture is a central contributor to rural livelihoods, food provision and the economy in general in Kenya, accounting for 60% of foreign exchange and around a quarter of GDP. In the past two decades, increases in number and intensity of droughts and floods have affected personal wealth and food production in the country considerably. Between 1964 and 1984 Kenya experienced one famine cycle; from 2004 to 2009, it experienced five. These impacts are exacerbated due to comparably limited response and resource management capacity, as well as technology and infrastructure deficiencies. To understand the vulnerability of Kenya’s agriculture sector, it is necessary to consider the general climatic conditions, agricultural production patterns and irrigation potential. For most parts of the country, Kenya has two rain seasons: one with long-lasting rainfall from March to May; and short rain periods from October to December. Within the country, three types of land are classified according to the annual precipitation: Arid and semi-arid land (ASAL), the medium rainfall zone, and the high rainfall zone. More than 80% of Kenya is classified as ASAL; the remaining 20% is classified as medium to high rainfall zones. Most food and cash crops, as well as livestock, are produced in high rainfall zones under semi-intensive and intensive agricultural systems.