Farmers from Nguruman Irrigation Scheme in Magadi, Kajiado County visited Perkerra Irrigation Scheme in Baringo County for a three‑day benchmarking exercise aimed at improving agricultural productivity and climate‑resilient irrigation.

The exchange, facilitated by the State Department for Irrigation, focused on practical skills across water management, crop production, marketing, governance and dispute resolution.

Perkerra Scheme Manager David Waweru led sessions on governance, institutional structures and daily operations, highlighting practices that have sustained the scheme’s output over the years.

Chairperson of the Perkerra Cooperative Society, Samuel Chebii, explained collective marketing, produce aggregation and value‑addition benefits that enable farmers to access larger markets and secure better returns.

Nicholas Bowen, chair of the Perkerra Irrigation Water Users Association, stressed formal registration, adherence to by‑laws and equitable water distribution as keys to efficient irrigation and conflict avoidance.

Agronomist Justus Kiptum provided training on crop husbandry, water application and techniques to raise yields, while Justin Kiprono outlined mechanisms for amicable water‑related dispute resolution.

Beyond classroom sessions, the Nguruman delegation toured Perkerra’s water source, observed abstraction and conveyance systems, and visited irrigation blocks to see crop diversification and field management in practice.

Organisers expect the lessons to help Nguruman farmers improve water management, adopt better agronomic practices, strengthen institutional frameworks and expand market access through cooperative arrangements.

The visit forms part of the Programme for Enhancement of Water Productivity, Production and Sustainability of Irrigation Schemes (PEWAPSIS), overseen by Maurice Opondo, director of Irrigation Water Management, which aims to boost scheme efficiency, food security and household incomes.