How a Water Project Transformed Farming for Turkana Hosts and Refugees

By Turkana Correspondent 

The early morning buzz at the 22-acre Choro Farm is unmistakable. Farmers tend to rows of vibrant greens, fruit trees, and unique vegetables, while traders haggle over prices. Loaders work tirelessly, ferrying the farm's bountiful harvest to vehicles bound for local markets.

This bustling scene is a far cry from the past, thanks to a transformative KES 28 million water supply and sanitation project funded by the Royal Danish Embassy through the Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF).

The initiative, implemented under the Sustainable Management and Access to Water and Sanitation in ASALs (SWASAP) program by Team and Team International through the KK INSPIRE project, has completely revitalized the farm and its surrounding communities.

More than just a water system, the project is a lifeline for 500 registered farmers comprising Turkana host communities and refugees from Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Settlement. It has brought stability, sustenance, and self-reliance to a region once plagued by persistent droughts and inadequate water access.

Years ago, Choro Farm thrived under the Water and Livelihood Program (WLP). However, recurring droughts and insufficient water resources led to its collapse, leaving fewer than 20 farmers struggling to sustain it. They relied on hand-dug wells and portable generators for pumping water—a labor-intensive and expensive process that yielded only modest results.

The tide turned when Team and Team International stepped in. An initial assessment revealed the need for a sustainable solution: a high-yield borehole and conservation-based agricultural practices to restore productivity.

Today, Choro Farm is powered by a fully operational borehole connected to an elevated steel water tank for storage, ensuring sustainable water abstraction. A network of 22 tap stands—one for every acre—has revolutionized irrigation, eliminating the need for farmers to haul water manually.

"This piped system is a game-changer," says Abdul Aziz Lugazo, Chair of the Choro Farmers Association. "The shallow wells we used before were risky and costly. Now, irrigation is efficient, affordable, and reliable."

The impact extends beyond improved crop yields. The project has fostered unity between Turkana’s host communities and refugees.

"This initiative fosters unity," says Patrick Losike Lokaimoe, Turkana’s County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Water Services. "It’s about sharing resources and building a sustainable future together."

For South Sudanese refugee Mohammed Yusuf, the farm is more than a source of income—it’s a lifeline. "Buyers now come directly to our farm," he says. "Plus, the fruit trees and sanitation facilities have made our work more dignified."

Sanitation has also greatly improved, with the installation of toilets eliminating open defecation and ensuring the safety of produce. "Sanitation might seem secondary, but it’s transformative," Yusuf adds.

Yusuf recalls his journey: "Back in Southern Sudan, my education was cut short, and I depended on farming for a livelihood. When I heard about Choro Farm, I decided to try my luck. Here, I’ve managed to finance my education and change my life by farming a half-acre plot."

Beyond infrastructure, the project has provided farmers with essential training in conservation-based agriculture and water system maintenance, ensuring its long-term sustainability. Juvenal Ngenyakumana, a 32-year-old refugee from Burundi, highlights the importance of these trainings: "I can now manage the water system and confidently report any issues to technicians."

Christine Mwikali, Country Director for Team and Team International, underscores the holistic approach: "We didn’t just deliver water; we delivered knowledge and skills, empowering farmers to maintain this project for generations."

The initiative aligns with the Ushirika Plan, which promotes host-refugee integration. Nancy Njenga, Head of Climate Resilience at the Royal Danish Embassy, explains its broader significance: "This is not just infrastructure. It’s about resilience, coexistence, and creating opportunities."

The KK INSPIRE program, under which the Choro Farm project falls, is part of the larger SWASAP initiative. Other SWASAP projects in Turkana include water pans in Nakurio and Lorus, as well as boreholes in Urum, Lokewan, Kalokol, Kalobeyei, and Lokichoggio.

The success of Choro Farm has spurred plans for further water-related investments. Violet Micheni from WSTF hints at upcoming initiatives: "This project is a model for what we can achieve in Turkana. We look forward to more collaborations with trusted partners like Team and Team International."

Local authorities have also pledged their support. Area Assistant County Commissioner Kariuki Kelvin Mwangi reassures farmers: "The government is committed to protecting these installations and ensuring they continue to serve the community."

The water project was officially commissioned on 4 December 2024 and handed over to the farmers in a ceremony graced by CECM for Water Services Patrick Losike Lokaimoe. The event was attended by Director for Water Services Paul Lotum, Director for Administration Patrick Imana, Turkana West Sub-County Administrator Christine Nalemsekon, and officials from the county and national governments.

As part of the handover, key infrastructure—including the farmhouse, two-block VIP latrines, and a perimeter fence protecting the borehole, solar system, and tank—was formally transferred to the farmers.