Overview
Our project is revolutionizing farm management at the Mwea Irrigation Scheme by leveraging cutting-edge GIS and mobile participatory mapping technology. This initiative goes beyond simple data collection; it's about creating a dynamic, digital ecosystem that empowers the National Irrigation Authority and Mwea's smallholder farmers.
in rice expansion areas under the NIA with the goal to intensify rice irrigation in an Ngucio expansion area within the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.Using mobile-based, GPS-enabled applications, we are registering farmers and linking them directly to their specific farm boundaries. This participatory approach ensures that farmers themselves are active participants in the data collection process, guaranteeing accuracy and ownership. The technology captures precise farm boundary data and calculates the exact acreage in real-time. This GIS data forms the foundation of a comprehensive digital registry, providing the Authority with an accurate, verifiable record of every farmer and their landholding within the scheme.
This digital registry is a game-changer. It eliminates outdated manual record-keeping, resolves land-related disputes, and enables precise, data-driven planning for resource allocation, including water and farm inputs. By accurately mapping each farm, we are providing the National Irrigation Authority with a powerful tool to optimize irrigation schedules, monitor crop health, and ensure equitable access to services. Ultimately, this technology is not just about mapping farms; it's about building a more efficient, transparent, and resilient agricultural future for the Mwea Irrigation Scheme.
What we did
- Baseline survey of land use, ownership and farmer details across new irrigation sections
- Digitised registry index maps and built a secure database with dashboards and reports
- Mobile app for field teams, with verification, duplicate removal and a farmers' nominal roll
- Acreage maps, workshops on the app, and a handbook for staff
