Tinderet: As the long rains continue pounding various parts of the country, agricultural experts and local leaders in Tinderet sub-county are now calling on residents to embrace roof water harvesting as a long-term solution to water shortages and declining farm productivity during dry periods. The stakeholders say the ongoing heavy rains provide an opportunity for households, schools, and institutions to collect and store rainwater to later be used for irrigation, livestock, and domestic needs once the dry season sets in.
According to Kenya News Agency, agricultural experts in the area note that a significant amount of rainwater currently goes to waste through surface runoff as the region continues to receive substantial rainfall during the ongoing March-May long rain season. The Sub-county Agricultural Officer Ruth Chepkorir emphasized that climate variability has impacted farming patterns, making water storage increasingly important for smallholder farmers.
She highlighted that farmers who harvest rainwater are better placed to sustain vegetable farming, dairy production, and other agricultural activities even when rainfall declines. ‘Many farmers only think about water when the dry season begins, yet this is the best time to collect and store it. Roof water harvesting can help households continue farming throughout the year,’ she said.
Chepkorir observed that simple technologies such as gutters, storage tanks, and lined water reservoirs can greatly reduce dependence on unreliable rainfall. Her sentiments come at a time when reports indicate that the current long rains across Kenya are above average in many regions, including western Kenya.
Agricultural stakeholders state that the stored rainwater can especially help farmers engaged in horticulture, poultry keeping, and dairy farming, sectors that often suffer during prolonged dry spells. Josephine Chepkemoi, an agronomist working with farmers in the sub-county, said rainwater harvesting has become an important component of climate-smart agriculture. She noted that the area has in recent years experienced unpredictable weather patterns characterized by prolonged dry periods followed by intense rainfall.
‘Instead of allowing all this water to flow away, families should harvest and preserve it for future use. Water availability determines productivity,’ she said. Chepkemoi added that farmers who maintain kitchen gardens during dry seasons are able to earn steady income when vegetable prices rise due to scarcity.
She further encouraged schools to invest in large storage tanks to support food production projects and tree nurseries. Farmers in the area have also supported the push, saying water scarcity remains one of the biggest obstacles to year-round farming.
Peter Kiplagat, a farmer from Songhor-Soba ward, said many households struggle during dry months because they rely entirely on seasonal streams and rainfall. ‘When the rains stop, vegetables dry up and livestock suffer. If families harvest roof water now, farming activities can continue even during drought,’ he said.
Mary Jepchirchir, another farmer from the Meteitei area, mentioned that women often walk long distances in search of water once rivers and springs reduce. She observed that investing in water tanks would ease the burden on households while also improving food production. ‘We receive plenty of rain here, but most of it is wasted. We should store it and use it later for crops and animals,’ she said.
Environmental stakeholders have also linked water harvesting to efforts aimed at reducing land degradation and soil erosion. Daniel Kiptoo, a local environmentalist, said roof water harvesting can reduce pressure on rivers and wetlands during dry seasons. ‘When households have stored rainwater, they are less likely to over-depend on streams and natural springs. It supports both environmental conservation and food security,’ he said.
Experts further note that rainwater harvesting supports sustainable agriculture by ensuring water availability for irrigation and household farming. Residents say with the current heavy rains continuing across Tinderet, this may be the best opportunity for households to invest in water harvesting systems before the next dry spell arrives.
Source: Kenya News Agency
