10 acres, over 10 crops, but only one goal: optimize water use to ensure high yield and sustainability
This is the premise from which the pilot drip irrigation project in Malindi, Kenya, was developed, aimed at supporting local farmers in adopting efficient, adaptable, and long-lasting irrigation technologies.
A Project that starts from Soil knowledge
With the technical support of a local partner, the site was selected within a larger 500-acre agricultural area in the Dakacha region, Kilifi County, about 70 km west of Malindi.
A complete topographic survey revealed a flat terrain with some gentle slopes (less than 2% in most areas), ideal for a safe and efficient drip irrigation system.
Key findings included:
- Soil covered with shrubs and thorny bushes, thus requiring an easily inspectable and durable system
- Average system elevation: between 55 and 67.5 meters above sea level
- Around 2,600 trees with a ≥15” diameter were mapped, with a random distribution, thus avoiding interference with irrigation lines. The main challenge was to irrigate multiple crops with the same system
- About 80% of the area was suitable for a drip irrigation system, characterized by a stable topography and no critical obstacles.
The first major challenge? Designing a flexible system capable of adapting to a highly diverse crop range, among which maize, onions, eggplants, and others, across a total area of 10 acres.
Fields laid out in 100m x 400m units and divided into 50m x 50m plots required independent irrigation for each parcel.
To meet this need, we provided our RioFlex layflat hose without pre-installed outlets, a versatile solution that allows in-field installation according to the desired spacing between rows. This is also a perfect solution for managing 1-meter row spacing and crops with differing water requirements.
A modular approach, easy to install and maintain, designed to ensure maximum operational autonomy.
More than just a product: know-how and training
The second challenge was ensuring the proper installation of the system and its future autonomous management.
That’s why one of our qualified sales technicians traveled directly to Malindi for an intensive on-site training session, targeting both the client company’s technicians and local farmers.
The goal was to transfer real technical skills that are essential to guarantee a long lifespan for the system and full investment satisfaction.
Technical solution
Products used:
- RioFlex layflat hose, naked: customizable and flexible for all crop types, available in 2” (53mm) and 3” (78mm) 100m coils
- RioFlex barbed connectors and end caps equipped with O-rings and stainless steel straps to prevent leakage
- Alis dripline Ø16 8 mil with 40cm spacing, 1 l/h flow rate, with integrated 3D emitter for uniform and efficient irrigation
- Accessories for the dripline, including end caps and valves for individual drip lines
- SABfilter 2” disc filter, 120 mesh
- Threaded fittings used to connect pumps, valves, and manifolds within the irrigation system
System configuration:
- Row spacing: 1 meter between rows
- Irrigation system: modular units of 50m x 50m for localized resource management
- Water source: tanks supplied by a well, with 3” pumps provided by our partner Idrofoglia
- Modular network system for localized and progressive management
A Model Project
The Malindi project is a tangible example of irrigation technology that adapts to the terrain and not vice versa. This project represented a synergy between technical design, production flexibility, and field training that enables solutions even in the most complex agricultural settings.
Projects like this are the foundation of our daily commitment: to offer smart, tailored solutions that help farmers enhance every drop of water.
Because when water is a precious resource, every detail matters.
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