The Ministry of Water in partnership with the National Bank has signed a Sh5 billion deal that will see small-scale irrigation farmers receive funds to acquire equipment and production inputs.
The initiative dubbed Majikonnect under the Farmer-Led Irrigation development (F.L.I.D) program seeks to support farmers’ transition from rain-fed to irrigated agricultural production.
They will access affordable finances to acquire dam liners, water abstraction and irrigation equipment and production inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides.
The Bank will also support technology platforms for “farmer enablement and support including information exchange, produce aggregation, market information, land use and irrigation development details and management dashboards.”
Speaking during the launch, NBK Managing Director George Odhiambo said they are committed to helping farmers access the necessary resources for successful irrigation farming.
“By empowering farmers to improve their production, we can increase food security and contribute to the overall growth of the agriculture and water sectors,” said Odhiambo.
Through the partnership, the Ministry will provide policy guidance on the program, identify, target and register potential farmers.
It will also support the development of irrigation infrastructure as well as provide technical advice on efficient irrigation systems and technologies.
NBK on its part will provide banking services for the projects, financial solutions for contractors and suppliers of the program as well as provide special financing solutions for special interest groups.
Principal Secretary Gitonga Mugambi said this will help in increasing the area under irrigation, and enhance food security and socio-economic development.
