Tindiret: Farmers in Tindiret Sub County are embracing climate-smart agricultural practices to counter the growing threat of erratic weather patterns that have disrupted traditional farming cycles in the region. Once known for its stable rainfall and rich soils, Tindiret is now grappling with prolonged dry spells and sudden, heavy rains, putting the livelihoods of hundreds of smallholder farmers at risk.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Sub County Agricultural Officer (SCAO), Esther Chepkemoi, confirmed that climate change has significantly impacted farming activities, prompting urgent shifts in how land is managed and food is grown. ‘Our farmers can no longer rely on predictable rain seasons,’ she explained. ‘This has forced them to adopt new methods such as intercropping, agroforestry, and the use of drought-tolerant crops to sustain production.’
Farmers who previously focused on maize monoculture are now diversifying. Crops such as sorghum, millet, sweet potatoes, beans, and cassava are gaining popularity due to their resilience in dry conditions. Additionally, indigenous vegetables like amaranth and spider plant (sagaa) are being reintroduced as part of nutrition-sensitive farming.
Peter Kiprotich, a farmer from Kapsisywa, is one of many leading this change. ‘I have reduced my maize acreage and started growing sorghum and sweet potatoes,’ he said. ‘I also intercrop with beans and mulch my farm to preserve soil moisture. Last season, even with the late rains, I harvested enough for my family and even sold the surplus,’ he said.
Another farmer, Sarah Jepchirchir from Chemamul, is integrating agroforestry on her two-acre farm by planting Grevillea and Calliandra trees alongside her maize and beans. ‘The trees provide shade, reduce erosion, and I also use the leaves as fodder for my dairy goats,’ she noted, adding, ‘It is a complete system for now, and I do not rely on rain alone.’
The SCAO highlighted other ongoing initiatives including the introduction of drought-tolerant maize varieties and kitchen gardens using vertical farming and water-efficient drip irrigation methods. Her office has partnered with agricultural extension officers and NGOs to train over 300 farmers across locations such as Kapkong, Kaptebengwet, and Songoliet.
‘We are also encouraging farmers to collect rainwater in tanks and dig shallow water pans to help during dry periods. These simple interventions are making a big difference,’ she said. However, despite the positive shift, some challenges still persist. For instance, many farmers lack access to climate data, certified seeds and affordable financing. Chepkemoi emphasised that with increased support from the county government and donor agencies, the gains in climate-smart agriculture could be scaled up significantly.