Esther’s farm: A look at how irrigation supports growth
Esther Auma Andal is a smallholder farmer in Kenya who has steadily expanded her farming operation over the past two years.
Like many farmers in her community, she previously relied on manual methods to water her crops—hauling drums of water and using a watering can to irrigate each plant by hand. It was labor-intensive work that limited how much she and her husband, Fredrick, could grow.
“Before I used the MoneyMaker [pump], it was manual,” she shared. “You pour water inside, then use your watering can, you spray around, you refill. It was strenuous. With the pump, it’s much easier.”
Since renting a KickStart MoneyMaker Max pump from a local irrigation agent through KickStart’s Rent to Try & Buy program, Esther has been able to water her farm more efficiently. She estimates that what used to take her six hours can now be done in about two to three. That time savings has opened the door to new opportunities—not just in crop production, but also in livestock and household planning.
A balanced approach to farming
Esther’s farm now includes a range of vegetables, such as spinach, managu (African nightshade), and kunde (cowpeas). These are staples in her household diet and are also in demand at the local market, where she sells the surplus. Irrigation has allowed her to grow vegetables more consistently, even during dry seasons, helping her maintain a steady income from week to week.
She has also expanded her livestock operation. When she started, she kept just three cows. Today, that number has grown to 11. She raises chickens as well, producing both eggs and meat for sale. The added income from livestock complements her vegetable sales and helps her meet the costs of raising a family.
“That is how we eat,” Esther explained. “To get food from there and sell them. We also use the money to pay school fees for our kids.”
Supporting family needs
Esther and her husband have four children. Her eldest, Amos, is in grade five and has an eye condition that requires ongoing medical care. Each consultation costs around 1,500 KES—or about $12. Farm income has become a critical source of support, not only for school fees and daily meals, but also for these medical expenses.
By building up her farm over time, Esther is working toward greater financial stability. While income from small-scale farming can fluctuate with the seasons and weather, the ability to irrigate has helped reduce some of that uncertainty.
Managing through challenges
Like many farmers in the region, Esther has faced challenges ranging from seasonal flooding—which has damaged her home in the past—to dry spells that put pressure on her crops and livestock. But she’s finding ways to adapt. With irrigation now in place, she can continue watering even when the rains are delayed, helping her maintain harvests and reduce losses. When water is limited, she prioritizes the most productive parts of her farm and adjusts her planting schedule to match available resources.
Her approach reflects the resilience and resourcefulness of many smallholder farmers—continually finding ways to adapt, plan ahead, and get the most from each growing season.
A focus on the future
Despite these ongoing challenges, Esther remains committed to farming. She hopes to expand the area she cultivates over time, especially now that irrigation has made it easier to maintain production during dry periods. She is also interested in strengthening her farm’s resilience—improving drainage to better protect her home during floods, and possibly joining a cooperative to gain access to more farming inputs and support.
Her long-term goal is simple but important: to provide a stable foundation for her children.
Esther’s story reflects the reality for many smallholder farmers across Kenya and other parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. With access to water and the right tools, they can grow food more consistently, increase their income, and support their families. But farming still comes with risks, and continued investment—in infrastructure, access to inputs, and local markets—can help build on the gains that farmers like Esther have already made.
As she continues to tend her land season by season, Esther shows how small improvements can make a meaningful difference. Each harvest brings new opportunities—and a step closer to the future she’s working hard to build.
