Nairobi: The National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) is currently conducting an assessment exercise to evaluate the impact of the recent long rains in Marsabit County, which were largely insufficient. This assessment follows a review meeting by the county steering group (CSG) on the effects of the March-May rain season on food, nutrition, and security.
According to Kenya News Agency, NDMA County Coordinator Guyo Golicha highlighted that various technical departments, including agriculture, education, health, livestock, security, and water, indicated that the rains were inadequate. The exercise, routinely conducted after each rain season in ASAL regions, aims to present a comprehensive understanding of the situation regarding food and nutrition, availability of grazing resources, and any potential threats to peace.
Golicha noted that while the agro-pastoralist areas of Moyale and Saku sub-counties received some significant rainfall, the rest of the county remained predominantly dry. The information gathered from the county’s 20 wards will assess the impact of the March-April-May rains on local pastoralist communities’ livelihoods.
The evaluation, expected to last five days, will focus on critical areas such as livestock and pasture, vital to the local economy and household survival. Golicha mentioned that the assessment would concentrate on milk production and the performance of livestock markets, as approximately 82.3 percent of the population relies on livestock for their livelihood.
The assessment will also examine the condition of livestock, availability of pasture, status of water sources like dams, pans, and boreholes, availability of foodstuffs, and their prices. Additionally, evaluators will consider the distance communities travel to access water and livestock migration, as these factors significantly affect both human and livestock health and productivity.
Golicha emphasized the importance of proximity to water sources for maintaining livestock health and productivity. The assessment’s outcomes will aid the government and other stakeholders in planning interventions to provide timely assistance to those affected by drought.
Water scarcity remains a significant concern in Marsabit County. The assessment aims to determine current water levels to prioritize support for the most affected zones. Furthermore, recommendations will be developed to prepare the county for the anticipated El-Nino later in the year.
Golicha acknowledged that while enhanced rains could benefit communities and their livestock-dependent economy, excessive water could cause havoc and health challenges if not managed properly. The exercise will utilize checklists from various technical departments to collect data and inform appropriate mitigation measures against climate shocks.
