Influence of Small-scale Irrigation Schemes on Improving Livelihood of Rural Farm Households; A Case of Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, Baringo County

Authors

  • Ken Nadeiwa Post graduate student University of Nairobi, Box 47,30403 Kenya
  • Julius Koring’ura Lecturer University of Nairobi, Box 30197, Nairobi, 10100, Kenya

Keywords:

small-scale irrigation, livelihood.

Abstract

Irrigation contributes to livelihood improvement through increased income, food security, employment and poverty reduction. Perkera irrigation Scheme has not fully achieved its objectives as expected. The main purpose of this study was to assess the role of small-scale irrigation schemes on the livelihoods of rural farm household in Perkerra Irrigation Scheme. This study specifically identify the scheme crops and its effect on livelihood of farmers. The study randomly sampled 388 small-scale household farmers living within and around the Perkerra Irrigation Scheme. Well-structured questionnaires for the household data collection and interview guide for the scheme officials were used in the study. This research employed descriptive statistics to assess the relationship between irrigation scheme outcomes and community livelihoods. Field raw data was entered into SPSS and cleaned before analysis. The research established positive effects on the livelihoods of farmers belonging to the scheme. 312(98%) were able to provide food for their families, 308(96%) grow crops for consumption, 291(92%) able to take three meals a day together with their families and 240(75%) said that their families no longer rely on relief food.  However, 187 (59%) of farmers in the scheme did not receive nutritional support for their children. Most farmers did not agree to the statement that they received seeds and fertilizer. Most respondents, 192 (60%) strongly agreed they possessed skills in farming compared to that time before the irrigation system. Farm machinery like tractors are made available to farmers in the scheme. The scheme need look into and boost social well-being of farm household as a holistic approach to rural development especially in the area of medical care and facilities.

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Published

2017-12-18

How to Cite

Nadeiwa, K., & Koring’ura, J. (2017). Influence of Small-scale Irrigation Schemes on Improving Livelihood of Rural Farm Households; A Case of Perkerra Irrigation Scheme, Baringo County. American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences, 38(2), 200–213. Retrieved from https://www.asrjetsjournal.org/index.php/American_Scientific_Journal/article/view/3678

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