DOI Major Highlights 2019-2023

DOI is climate proofing and upgrading irrigation infrastructure to modernize so that that they can withstand climate shocks.

Area developed has significantly increased from 171 000Ha (2017), 193 000 Ha in (2019) and to 203 000 Ha in 2022.

Since 2020, 100 Irrigation Projects were completed (26-PSIP; 25-SIRP; 49 Pedstock)

DOI has managed to commission 18 irrigation schemes across the country from last year to date:

2022 – 4 schemes

2023-14 schemes

The department has promoted water use efficiency in smallholder irrigation schemes through use of smart irrigation technologies like soil moisture sensors. This has led to an increase in the production and productivity thereby improving food and nutrition security.

The department has imparted basic electrical, pump maintenance, canal construction and bricklaying skills to 757 youths.

2020-21 – 247 (163M,84F)

2022 – 150 (109M,41F)

2023 – 233 (178M,55F)

The trained youths have already started small businesses, some are engaged with irrigation contractors and some offering services to the communal farmers at an affordable cost.

The Annual Irrigation Competition has reinforced the culture of good irrigated agricultural practices among the smallholder irrigation farmers.

The competition has improved the O&M of irrigation infrastructure as we move towards well managed irrigation schemes and sustainability.

The competition has encouraged planning, commercialization and accountability in the irrigation schemes.

Under the PEDSTOCK facility, 61 out of 80 pivots were delivered, 54 were installed with 49 of them irrigating a total area of 2060ha out of the targeted 2900ha.