An increasing number of pastoralists in West Pokot are embracing irrigated agriculture as an alternative source of income.

The semi-arid county is experiencing tremendous transformation as hundreds of herdsmen diversify to crop production through irrigation in the Kerio Valley.

At the Wei Wei Irrigation Scheme, which has received massive funding from the Italian government, 275 hectares are under irrigation and more than 600 pastoralist families are growing crops.

Wei Wei Farmers Association acting manager Mark Meut said the members earned over Sh40 million from last season harvest.

The farmers cultivate maize, sorghum, bananas, fruits and vegetables that have improved the livelihoods of the pastoralists.

Meut disclosed that more than 100,000 farmers in West Pokot and Turkana counties have invested in crop production techniques under furrow and drip irrigation following the return of peace in a region that has been ravaged by cattle rustling and banditry activities.

“The project is providing sustainable income to communities that initially experienced starvation,” said Daniel Daimo, the association Technical Assistant Manager.

He disclosed that about 160 farmers in phase one and two of the scheme earned Sh50,000 from maize each and Sh50,000 from sorghum.

“The villagers can now appreciate the nutritional value and economic potential of crop farming,” said John Kwatemoi, Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) project manager in charge of Wei Wei scheme.

Source: http://www.nation.co.ke By BARNABAS BII