Arabfields, Leonor Fernández de Córdoba, Correspondent, Spain — Kenya is intensifying efforts to transform its agricultural sector after opening discussions with Portugal on a new partnership aimed at expanding irrigation infrastructure and strengthening food security.

The talks come at a time when the East African nation is accelerating its long-term strategy to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which continues to leave millions of farmers vulnerable to droughts and increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

Government officials confirmed that the proposed cooperation focuses on technical expertise, investment opportunities and knowledge exchange in irrigation development. Kenya is seeking support for its National Irrigation Sector Investment Plan, an ambitious program designed to bring an additional one million acres of land under irrigation over the coming years.

Agriculture remains one of Kenya’s most important economic sectors, employing a large share of the population and contributing significantly to national output. However, only a limited portion of the country’s arable land currently benefits from modern irrigation systems, forcing many farmers to rely heavily on seasonal rainfall.

In farming communities across arid and semi-arid regions, irrigation projects are increasingly viewed as essential for survival. Farmers who have already gained access to irrigation infrastructure report more stable harvests, improved incomes and greater resilience during dry seasons. Agricultural officials believe expanding water access could significantly increase food production while reducing losses linked to climate shocks.

The discussions with Portugal also include possible investments in dams, water abstraction systems, canal modernization and water transport networks aimed at improving irrigation efficiency. Authorities are particularly interested in Portugal’s experience in sustainable water management and modern irrigation technologies.

Another major focus of the partnership involves support for smallholder farmers. Kenyan officials are exploring financing opportunities that could help community-based irrigation projects expand in rural areas where access to large-scale agricultural investment remains limited. Experts argue that empowering small producers will be critical if the country hopes to achieve long-term food security goals.

The initiative forms part of a broader irrigation expansion strategy that has attracted interest from several international partners throughout 2026. Institutions including the World Bank, UNOPS and other development organizations have recently expressed support for Kenya’s efforts to strengthen water infrastructure and climate resilience.

Climate concerns remain a key driver behind the government’s push. Repeated drought episodes over recent years have exposed the vulnerability of rain-dependent farming systems, particularly in northern and eastern regions. Water experts warn that without major investments in irrigation and storage infrastructure, future climate pressures could continue to threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.

Several large-scale projects are already under development. In northwestern Kenya, irrigation initiatives linked to the Lower Turkwel project are expected to bring thousands of additional hectares into production while supporting food security and employment opportunities in drought-prone regions.

Looking ahead, agricultural analysts expect irrigation to play an increasingly central role in Kenya’s economic strategy. If the country successfully reaches its target of expanding irrigated farmland by one million acres, national crop production could rise substantially by the end of the decade. Increased irrigation capacity is also expected to support year-round farming, improve export potential and reduce reliance on food imports.

For many Kenyan farmers, however, the benefits go beyond production statistics. Reliable water access represents greater financial stability, stronger protection against climate uncertainty and new opportunities for rural families seeking to build sustainable livelihoods in a rapidly changing agricultural environment.