Its time for water harvesting!

Kasikali says that the water harvested serves his family’s domestic needs and he has also started a tree nursery where he plants and sells seedlings to supplement the family’s income

“I supply these seedlings to the community, schools and organizations “he points out adding that he has been able to make a stable income from the business.He has constructed a smaller tank besides the nursery where he stores water for irrigation.The tank has a thirty (30 ) Litres’ capacity and is attached with a tap and hosepipe.

                                              

                                                                                                    

Mr.Kasikali inspects the water storage tank he uses for watering his seedlings. Below, the tree nursery.

Challenges faced

Mr Kasikali’s venture has not been without setbacks. He points out that his main challenge is lack of proper equipment to expand the earth dam to collect more water.”I use wheelbarrow to move the dugout soil which is very tiring and slow’”he says.

Also, his neighbours expect him to assist with water and thus he ends up giving it to the neighbours than using it for the intended purpose.

Future plans

Mr. Kasikali plans to hire appropriate earth moving equipment to expand the dam to collect more water which he will then use to grow fodder for keeping dairy cattle .He also plans to expand his nursery and plant vegetables for own consumption and also for selling to have more income.

Conclusion

Mr.Kasikali is of the opinion that if farmers in the District embrace the proper water harvesting techniques, then famine will be a forgone calamity.