40 water pans installed in Siaya to boost agricultural irrigation

Residents living close to water pans are now practicing smart agriculture which has improved food production and provide livelihoods for the residents.  

“I’m glad that our well and water pans rehabilitation program has greatly helped the residents of this county who were struggling to get water consistently throughout the year,” said the Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) Founder and CEO Dr. Kennedy Odede while launching the pans. 

 “Embracing agro ecology, fish farming and sustainable farming practices is not just about feeding families today, it's about securing a resilient future for generations to come,” he added. 

Jennifer Akoth from Papote village in East Asembo, Rarieda Constituency welcomed the development, saying it will enable farmers to indulge in smart agriculture. 

“Right now, we can plant vegetables such as cabbages, Sukuma wiki and tomatoes without necessary waiting for the rain to come. We have enough water to do irrigation,” she said.

Another beneficiary Leonard Obado from Nyakondo village in North Ramba Ward said they used to walk for kilometres to fetch water for domestic use. 

“We used to have water challenges in this village. With the rehabilitation of this water pan, we can now access water easily.”

“The pan is now full due to April-May rains. We used to experience flooding and within a short time, water would be gone and we continue experiencing water shortage. That is no longer the case now,” Obado said. 

SHOFCO also launched new 3-storey community centre in Bondo constituency. The new centre hosts a community hall, a school library and women empowerment activities such as tailoring and beads making.