The Government has stepped up discussions on expanding irrigation farming and improving flood control in Budalangi Constituency, Busia County, as part of efforts to increase agricultural productivity and create more employment opportunities.
State Department for Irrigation Principal Secretary CPA Ephantus Kimotho held a consultative meeting with Budalangi MP Raphael Wanjala and Eng. Eric Mugaa at Maji House in Nairobi to review the progress and impact of key irrigation projects in the area.
The discussions focused on the Lower Nzoia and Bunyala Irrigation Projects, which are considered central to unlocking Budalangi’s potential for large-scale agricultural production.
Mugaa said Budalangi has significant potential to become a major irrigation farming hub in the region if investments in water infrastructure are expanded.
“Budalangi Constituency in Busia County has strong potential for large-scale irrigation farming in the region,” Mugaa said.
He noted that expanding irrigation could help farmers increase crop yields while allowing them to produce food throughout the year, reducing reliance on rainfall-dependent agriculture.
According to Mugaa, irrigation can significantly increase agricultural output while creating employment opportunities for thousands of people involved in farming and related value chains.
“Irrigation doubles crop yields, enables year-round farming, and creates millions of jobs,” he said.
The meeting also examined the progress of the Lower Nzoia and Bunyala irrigation projects and their impact on local communities.
The officials discussed measures to maximise the benefits of the projects while addressing challenges that continue to affect agricultural production in Budalangi.
Flood control was also a key issue during the consultations, given the area’s vulnerability to flooding, particularly around the Nzoia River and surrounding agricultural areas.
The officials explored ways of strengthening flood management alongside irrigation development to protect farms, homes and livelihoods.
Mugaa said improving irrigation infrastructure and flood control would play an important role in transforming agriculture and enhancing food security in Budalangi and the wider Busia region.
“We discussed the progress and impact of these projects, flood control and ways to further enhance agricultural productivity in the area,” he said.