Introduction to the Galana Kulalu Food Security Project
The Galana Kulalu food security project is making significant progress, with preparations underway for the first proper harvest of maize from a 1,500-acre piece of irrigated land. This development marks a key milestone in the initiative aimed at enhancing food production and security in the region.
Selu Africa Limited, a private firm, is playing a pivotal role in commercializing 20,000 acres within the Galana Kulalu project under a Public Private Partnership deal with the government. The company’s CEO, Nicholas Ambanya, highlighted that the maize on the initial 1,500 acres was planted in June. He outlined plans to scale up operations, aiming to reach 3,200 acres by the end of the year and eventually expand to 20,000 acres.
Expanding Agricultural Activities
Beyond maize, Selu Africa Limited is exploring other food value chains such as groundnuts, sunflower, and ndengu. This diversification strategy aims to fully utilize the potential of the Galana Kulalu scheme. Similarly, the Nyumba Foundation is also involved in the project, working on 51,000 acres and currently developing irrigation infrastructure while trialing crops like maize, onions, and cassava.
The irrigation secretary, Joel Tanui, noted that Nyumba Foundation has developed 3,000 acres under maize, cassava, and onions. He emphasized that Selu Africa Limited has been allocated 20,000 acres initially, with the first phase focusing on 10,000 acres. Of these, 1,500 acres of maize is ready for harvesting.
Challenges and Future Plans
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Kishor Patel of the Nyumba Foundation mentioned issues such as wild animals, particularly elephants, invading the farms and destroying crops. Additionally, the lack of electricity forces the use of costly diesel generators. Contaminated water from River Sabaki due to upstream chemicals is another concern. Poor road infrastructure further complicates operations.
Patel expressed optimism about Kenya’s potential, stating that the country is blessed with good arable land and a favorable climate. He called for a more serious approach to agriculture and urged the government to prioritize it. Selu Africa Limited anticipates employing at least 2,000 workers once the 20,000 acres are fully irrigated. The company also emphasizes skills and knowledge transfer through direct training and collaboration with TVETs and other training centers.
Government Support and National Plans
Government support has been crucial for the project. Tanui highlighted the National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, which outlines two pathways to bridge food security: opening up Arid and Semi-Arid Land areas and promoting corporate agribusiness through Public-Private Partnerships. The government has mapped large-scale community lands and is encouraging investors like Selu to lease these for production purposes.
Tanui mentioned that Selu will scale up its model next year to cover the entire 10,000 acres and eventually reach 20,000 acres in subsequent years. He also noted that with the dam expected to be ready in the next three years, the entire 200,000 acres in the region could be under irrigation, significantly reducing maize imports.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The Galana Kulalu model involves multiple government agencies, including the agriculture ministry, ADC, KWS, Rerec, and Kerra. More than 1,600 residents from Tana River and Kilifi counties have benefited from jobs created by Selu Africa Limited and the Nyumba Foundation, each employing at least 800 workers.
Tanui encouraged communities still holding communal land to engage with the project, hoping to attract large-scale investors to open up production and enhance food security. He also mentioned the government’s anticipation of industries in the Galana Kulalu farm for value addition and food processing. Despite ongoing threats from wild animals, the Kenya Wildlife Service is working to mitigate these risks.
Conclusion
The Galana Kulalu project represents a significant step towards achieving food security in Kenya. With continued efforts and support, the initiative has the potential to transform agricultural practices, create employment opportunities, and ensure a steady supply of affordable food for Kenyans. As the project progresses, it is essential to address existing challenges and leverage the country’s natural resources effectively.
