Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency Establishes "Model Farm" to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Kenya

Strategic Insights -

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has completed a drought-resistant agricultural practices project in Wajir County, Kenya, establishing a model farm to demonstrate sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural techniques. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Wajir County Government and included the construction of a solar-powered shallow water well, a two-acre open-field drip irrigation system, a shaded greenhouse, and an agricultural nursery with tree species adapted to arid climates. The model farm will serve as a production site and education center, providing hands-on training to local farmers in areas such as irrigation techniques, soil enhancement, tree planting, and organic fertilizer production.

Key Takeaways:

  • The "Model Farm" project was implemented by Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) in collaboration with the Wajir County Government in Wajir County, Kenya.
  • The project included the construction of a solar-powered shallow water well, a two-acre open-field drip irrigation system, a shaded greenhouse, and an agricultural nursery with tree species adapted to arid climates.
  • The model farm will provide hands-on training to local farmers in areas such as irrigation techniques, soil enhancement, tree planting, and organic fertilizer production.
  • Crops such as papaya, watermelon, various vegetables, and drought-tolerant forage species were harvested at the model farm in the initial phase.
  • Plants like Napier grass, moringa, and sorghum hold strategic importance for livestock farming, which is the traditional livelihood of the local community.
  • Governor Ahmed Abdullahi stated that the project aims to offer local residents a new perspective on agriculture and empower them to sustain their livelihoods using drought-resistant farming methods.
  • TIKA's Coordinator in Nairobi, Yasemin Cansuz Kurt, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond providing support, it represents a development model focused on long-term transformation.
  • Many local residents reached out to TIKA seeking information about agricultural suppliers, reflecting growing interest in sustainable farming solutions.

Statistics:

  • 2-acre open-field drip irrigation system was constructed as part of the project.
  • The project included the construction of a solar-powered shallow water well.
  • 1 shaded greenhouse was constructed as part of the project.
  • 1 agricultural nursery with tree species adapted to arid climates was established as part of the project.
  • Crops such as papaya, watermelon, and vegetables were harvested at the model farm in the initial phase.
  • Drought-tolerant forage species were also harvested at the model farm in the initial phase.

Sources:

  • M2 PressWIRE-July 28, 2025-: Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) Establishes “Model Farm” to Promote Sustainable Agriculture in Kenya (C)1994-2025 M2 COMMUNICATIONS RDATE:25072025.