Choro Farm Water Project Boosts Agriculture and Livelihoods for Kakuma Refugees and Host Communities

By Turkana Correspondent

Rows of newly installed water tap stands stretch across Choro Farm, a 22-acre plot that has become a lifeline for agricultural production for both the host and refugee communities of Kakuma and Kalobeyei.

Abdul Aziz Lugazo, chair of the Choro Farmers Association, leads an inspection team to showcase the achievements of the Kakuma Kalobeyei Sustainable Access to Water and Sanitation in Support of Livelihood Programs (KK INSPIRE) project—a two-year initiative co-funded by the Danish Government, the Water Sector Trust Fund, and the Turkana County Government.

"Team and Team International has not only set up these tap stands but also trained local farmers on maintenance and basic repairs. Now, we can grow various food crops without constantly worrying about water shortages," Lugazo explains as farmers gather to observe the inspection.

Choro Farm, which supplies over 95% of the fresh produce consumed in Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement, has undergone an agricultural transformation thanks to this project.

New Hope for Choro Farmers in Turkana County 

Over 24 months, Team and Team International has utilized a Ksh 28.8 million investment to establish a high-yielding 35.6-cubic-meter borehole, a solar-powered pumping system with 54 panels producing 18 kilowatts, a 2.5-kilometer pipeline, and a 50-cubic-meter elevated steel tank.

These installations are now driving sustainable agriculture, cooperative formation, and improved sanitation in the area.

In the past, farmers relied on shallow wells and constantly hoped for rain in this arid region.

Leading the inspection was Chief Officer for Trade, Enterprise Development, and Cooperatives, Pauline Tang'arae, who expressed pride in witnessing the infrastructure's transformative impact.

"Alongside officers from Water Services, Agricultural Development, and Monitoring and Evaluation, I can confidently say this project is nearing completion, at about 92%," said Tang'arae, affirming the anticipated handover by year-end.

She highlighted the farmers' thriving market within the refugee camp, settlement, and Kakuma Town, and encouraged them to strengthen their cooperative society to maximize the project's benefits.

"We're directing our local cooperatives officer to help fortify the Choro Farmers Cooperative Society," Tang'arae announced. "A stronger cooperative will open up training and support opportunities, giving you resources to sustain and expand your productivity."

Paul Lotum, Turkana County's Director for Water Services, echoed Tang'arae’s sentiments, emphasizing the project's significance in integrating water resources and agricultural development.

"This project is a model of success, combining collaboration between host and refugee communities and integrating multiple water uses," Lotum noted, commending Team and Team International for their partnership with the water department throughout the project.

During the visit, Nzeyimana Benigne, a Burundian refugee, proudly displayed a certificate from her training in water system maintenance and cooperative development.

"Though I am a refugee, I know this knowledge will stay with me even if I return home," she said. "Learning never stops."

Benigne described how the project has enhanced security and hygiene, with VIP latrines and floodlights installed near the elevated tank.

Alongside her, more than 19 other farmers have received training, equipping them to meet the demands of agriculture in the region.

Juvenile Ndikumana, a 32-year-old refugee farmer, reflected on how the project has relieved them from the perils of water scarcity.

"The shallow wells we used before were risky and costly—we spent thousands digging and running generators. This piped system is a game-changer," he remarked, calling the intervention life-saving.

The project has extended beyond basic water access, including the construction of gender-inclusive sanitation facilities at Bright Secondary School, the distribution of farm tools and fruit tree seedlings, and the building of a farmhouse.

According to Leah Asami, Project Manager of Team and Team International, these efforts collectively foster agricultural and community development for both the host and refugee communities across Turkana West.

Asami added that the project has fully integrated climate-smart approaches envisioned by the Sustainable Management and Access to Water and Sanitation in the ASALs (SWASAP) initiative, under which KK INSPIRE was launched.

Also present at the inspection were Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon, Kakuma Municipality Public Health Officer Godwin Wambani, Director of Administration Patrick Imana, WSTF County representative Patrick Naboikut, and M&E Officer Paul Auru, who addressed concerns raised by the farmers.