KAMUKURU
FLOOD BASED FARMING SYSTEMS
DASHBOARD
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Heavy rainfall is a frequent phenomenon in different parts of Kenya...
...especially during the occurrence of long rains running from March to May. This often culminate in flash floods which causes havoc to humans, livestock and farmlands especially in the floodplains.
However, these floods can be harnessed and used for flood based farming through crop production, agro-forestry, rangeland management, domestic & livestock water supply and recharging of groundwater. This farming technique depends on flood events that may last a few hours to a few months and can take different forms that include spate irrigation, flood inundation and recession, flood spreading weirs and road water harvesting.
Study
This study is conducted in three block replicates of 10m by 10m area with each block subdivided into four plots. Each plot is treated with different moisture conservation measures. The first plot is put under farmers practice, the second under furrows, the third under mulch and the fourth under a combination of both mulch and furrows. These treatments are randomized.
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To understand the hydrologic dynamics in this research set-up, several tests and sensors are employed to determine flow rate of flood water into the plot, soil moisture at 20cm, 40cm and 60cm. In addition, air temperatures are also monitored during the crop growing season.
Project
Kajiado County is one of the many counties in Kenya that face frequent flooding. To introduce and demonstrate flood based farming techniques, a site has been identified in Kamukuru - Kajiado, where the effectiveness of spate irrigation in optimizing sorghum yield is assessed.