What are the problems experienced in irrigation farming in Kenya?

      

Give the problems experienced in irrigation farming in Kenya.

  

Answers


Maurice
(i) The constant moist conditions promote the breeding of pests.

(ii) Flooding of the fields leads to sheet erosion.

(iii) Leaching of nutrients from the topsoil occurs when the water is seeping through, leading to low yields.

(iv) The unreliable rainfall in the river catchment leads to fluctuating river volumes which reduces the amount of water available for irrigation.

(v) Fluctuation of the world prices due to competition affects the agricultural produce.

(vi) The prices of fertilizers, tractors and insecticides are quite high.

(vii) Soil accumulation in the canals is quite frequent. It is expensive to dredge such canals continuously.

(viii) Increased moisture in the soil after irrigation encourages the growth of weeds.

(ix) Stagnant water in the plots and canals encourages the breeding of snails and mosquitoes which spread bilharzia and malaria respectively.

OR

- Shortage of water during dry season.

- Siltation of the canals which reduces the amount of water that can flow to
them.

- Late and irregular payments to the farmers from the irrigation board.

- Presence of weed.

- Some irrigation schemes are affected by floods during rainy seasons in
places like Bunyala.

- Stagnant water is a health hazard eg. Spread of malariaand bilharzias.

- Lack of adequate capital.

- Mismanagement of finances and resources.

- Some irrigation schemes are far from the market which increases transport
costs.

- Competition from imported, cheap farm produce.

- Presence of crop diseases and pests.
maurice.mutuku answered the question on June 15, 2017 at 08:23


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