US Technology Helps Improve Crop Yields in Drought-stricken AfricaMore frequent and severe droughts in Africa are hampering food production, esp...
Published on by Water Network Research, Official research team of The Water Network
More frequent and severe droughts in Africa are hampering food production, especially in arid parts of the continent, where farmers struggle to eke out a living. A water retention system developed in the United States is helping African farmers fight the trend and improve crop yields in drought-affected areas.
Under the scorching sun in the Ulilinzi village of southeastern Kenya, farmers are engaging in unique land preparations.
They are installing in the ground specially designed polyethylene membranes that look like clear covers, to prevent the loss of moisture and nutrients from the soil.
Exacerbated by drought from climate change, the sandy soil in this area, like in most arid and semi-arid areas, has made it nearly impossible to produce abundant crops.
However, this new water retention technology developed in the U.S. is giving farmers here new hope.