Every successful irrigation project starts with one number: how much water your crops actually need each day. Get this right and everything else follows.

This free calculator estimates your daily and weekly water demand from your crop, your area and your climate. It then shows the borehole flow and storage that demand implies.

It uses standard agronomy, so treat it as a strong planning guide. For the full picture, read our guide on whether borehole water is good for irrigation and how to choose the best irrigation system in Kenya.

Why Knowing Your Water Need Comes First

Many farmers drill a borehole and only then discover it cannot meet their irrigation demand. The result is stressed crops and wasted money.

Working out your water need first means your borehole, pump and storage are all sized correctly from the start. That is the difference between a farm that thrives and one that struggles.

What Drives Your Farm Water Demand

Three things set your demand: the crop, the area, and the climate. Thirsty crops in a hot, dry area need far more water than hardy crops in cool highlands.

Your irrigation method matters just as much. Drip delivers water straight to the roots with little waste, while furrow and flood lose a large share to evaporation and runoff.

Drip Irrigation Saves Water and Money

Drip is the most efficient method available. It can cut your water need by a third or more compared to flood irrigation, which means a smaller borehole and pump.

That saving compounds every single day. Read our guide on the best irrigation systems in Kenya to see which suits your crop.

Make Sure Your Borehole Can Keep Up

Once you know your daily demand, the next step is a borehole that can supply it. The flow figure above tells you the yield your borehole needs to deliver.

Use our pump and tank calculator to size the equipment, and our cost calculator to budget the project.

Wondering if your water is suitable for crops? Read our guide on whether borehole water is good for irrigation.