Nyanza: Farmers adopt gas-powered water pumps despite safety concerns

Many farmers have reportedly ‘shelved’ fuel-powered generators in favour of the relatively new ‘invention’ – citing high cost of fuel.

Bishop Kennedy Rugara, a renown watermelon farmer in Migori, told Wananchi Reporting that many farmers have adopted the 'new technology' as an alternative to fuel generators.

“It’s a new thing in this region, although personally I still use fuel-powered generator to water my farm,” he said.

According to Kepher Ochieng – a farmer who plants tomatoes and kales on the banks of river Kuja – the 'innovation' is gaining popularity among farmers in the area.

“There are those who still consider it a little bit crude and unsafe, but others are using it already,” said Ochieng.

“I think people are just desperate because of the high cost of living, and so, they will go for anything that helps them save money at the end of the day.

“Many don’t really think about safety,” he said – noting that there have been no accidents reported.

Reports indicate that some farmers have had to give up farming due to high prices of fuel and other farming inputs – coupled with prolonged harsh weather conditions in the region.

“Initially I would spend Ksh600 on petrol a day to water my farm which is not very far from the river, but now I spend more than Ksh1,500 daily,” says Ochieng who waters his farm twice weekly.

Many argue that the 'new invention' has made it easier to invest in farming again, others however, are concerned about its safety.

“One full cooking gas cylinder can water a sizable farm three or four times before refilling it,” said one of the farmers who uses the gas-powered water pump.

Residents now want the government to train farmers on safe farming practices – especially with these 'new innovations'.