Question

What physical factors influenced the location of Mwea Teberre irrigation scheme?

Answer 1

Physical factors that influenced the location of MweaTeberre irrigation scheme are;

• Perennial rivers; Thiba, Nyamindi and Murubara that provided adequate water for irrigation.
• The Mwea plains have black cotton soils, with high water retention capacity, that are suitable for rice farming/growing.
• The area around Mwea experienced low, unreliable and poorly distributed rainfall hence not suitable for rain fed agriculture thus need for irrigation.
• Presence of loamy soils ensured cultivation of other crops to support families settle.
• Presence of gently sloping land which made it possible for irrigation farming.

Answer 2

Presence of good climate condition.

Presence of black cotton soil which have high water retention capacity.