"This used to be a wilderness of shrubs and wild animals where we depended entirely on erratic rainfall," said local farmer Peter Onyango Okola. "Today, I decide when to irrigate. I am no longer just farming for food; I am running an agribusiness."

KISUMU, Kenya, March 17 (Xinhua) -- On the banks of the Nzoia River in Siaya County, western Kenya, local farmer Peter Onyango Okola skillfully operates a water gate, channeling river water into his lush green fields.

"This used to be a wilderness of shrubs and wild animals where we depended entirely on erratic rainfall," Peter said. "Today, I decide when to irrigate. I am no longer just farming for food; I am running an agribusiness."

Such transformations followed the completion of the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project in 2024. Newly constructed irrigation canals now reach deep into the fields, turning what was once a flood-prone wilderness into a productive hub for rice, maize and vegetable cultivation.

Built by Sinohydro, the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project features 111 km of irrigation canals, 71 km of drainage channels, and a combined 736 km of tertiary irrigation and drainage dikes. The infrastructure has not only mitigated long-term flood threats but also helped overcome the challenges of rain-fed agriculture.

"In the past, seeds would not even germinate due to drought. Now we just open the gate whenever we need to farm," said Mary Auma Okoth, a local farmer, adding that the reliable water supply has enabled her to grow vegetables and maize year-round, providing a steady income to cover school fees and household needs.

Environmental protection remained a priority throughout construction. By utilizing siphons and aqueducts, the project preserved local wetlands and natural water systems, balancing hydraulic development with ecological conservation, said Wang Chao, deputy project manager.

Meanwhile, a "training-while-building" approach ensured the transfer of expertise in gate operations and maintenance to local engineers.

"We want to leave behind not just a project, but a technical team capable of managing the system in the long term," Wang said, noting that the Kenyan team now manages daily inspections independently.

According to data from Kenya's National Irrigation Authority (NIA), the project has directly benefited more than 12,500 farming households in Siaya and Busia counties, securing irrigation for 11,000 acres (about 4,451.5 hectares) of agricultural land and providing a strong guarantee for local food security.

From a technical and strategic perspective, the project serves as a cornerstone for the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme, one of Kenya's seven public irrigation schemes. It replaces the former electric-powered pumps, which were previously burdened by high costs and frequent interruptions, with a reliable gravity-fed system. The project saves tens of millions of shillings annually in electricity costs, with the funds reinvested into maintenance, farmer training and service delivery, according to the NIA.

Having a gravity-fed system provides sufficient water throughout the growing season, said Peter Orua, manager of the Bunyala Irrigation Scheme at the NIA. "Now we will be able to have at least three seasons in a year, which means more food for our country and local community, and more money in the farmers' pockets."

The project also provides a replicable template for other African nations facing climate challenges. By reducing installation and operating costs through a gravity-flow system, such projects eliminate reliance on erratic rainfall and ensure a consistent, year-round water supply, allowing for expanded production even during severe droughts, Orua added.