This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
Water scarcity has long been a challenge for farmers in Nakuru County, but a new solution is bringing relief to the region. Underground water tanks, equipped with liners, have become a game-changer for farmers like James Maina, who grows vegetables in Gilgil.
According to Maina, the area's dry climate and unreliable rainfall made it difficult to grow even basic crops like sukuma wiki. However, with the introduction of affordable underground water tanks, Maina's farm has become a demonstration centre for the positive effects of this technology.
Speaking at a field day at his farm, Maina explained that the concrete tanks were not only expensive but also prone to leaks and maintenance issues. In contrast, the underground tanks with liners have been a cost-effective and reliable solution.
As seen in the image, avocado seedlings are thriving thanks to water from the underground tanks. Maina noted that the liner paper can last up to ten years, depending on its quality.
However, Maina's success is not without its challenges. He faces difficulties in marketing his vegetables due to poor roads and distance from major markets like Nairobi and Mombasa. To address this issue, he has appealed to the County government to construct solar cottage vegetable drying points, enabling farmers to preserve their produce for longer periods and increase their profits.
By Veronica Bosibori, published on July 10, 2020.
