Abstract:
The goal of this study was to explore the effect of Irrigations Schemes
Development (as rooted in; Vision 2030, Kenya Big Four Agenda, ASTGS
and National Irrigation Authority Strategic Plan 2019-2023) on capacity
building and empowerment of communities. Specifically, the study sought
to access the effect of irrigation scheme development on; Education and
Training, Clean Water and Sanitation, Youth Access to Funds, Housing
Type, Food Security, Job Diversity, Access to Health Care Services,
Changing Demand, Irrigation Orientation and Water Harvest. Descriptive
design was used as a road map of the study. A sample size of 395
respondents was drawn from a target population of 35,041 households
living around the irrigation scheme in Mara Region, Tharaka-Nithi
County-Kenya, subjected to a 95% confidence level. Convenience sampling
was adopted to drum up participants. Primary data was collected using
interview method. A semi-structured interview guide with Likert scale
rating was used as a checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were
employed to analyze the data. Study results indicated that Development of
Irrigation Schemes contributed to capacity building and empowerment of
Kenyan communities by; facilitating access to clean water and sanitation
within homesteads (77%) enabling sufficient food and balanced diet
throughout the year (197; 56%). Statistically, the study showed that
infrastructure was significantly associated with capacity building (ρ=0.03).
In addition, the irrigation scheme improved the lifestyle of the locals
through access to health care services and comfortable housing. From the
income earned from farming, out of 395, only 105 (30%) and 47 (12%)
could afford to educate their families to secondary and tertiary level
respectively. According to the study, an acre of irrigated land employees
an average of eight people on a full-time basis. The study highlighted
challenges in water storage and maintenance which can be addressed by
involving Kenyan government agencies, County government agencies, the
private sector and other stakeholders in the development and provision of
sufficient water storage facilities. From the results finding there is need for
comprehensive research within the irrigation scheme through agricultural
research and development to address the concerns of the future effects of
chemical use on the health of the locals. The study recommends that local
authorities renew the engagement of agricultural extension workers. Additionally, to counter the bargaining power of middlemen, farmer
welfare organizational structures should be operationalized.