West pokot: A prolonged dry spell that has persisted for the last two months has dealt a major blow to agricultural production in West Pokot County, raising fears of widespread crop failure, livestock losses, and increased food insecurity if urgent interventions are not undertaken.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county’s Director of Agriculture, Philip Ting’aa, said the region has experienced an abnormal rainfall pattern this year, with the long rains ending in the first week of May, instead of continuing through the traditional April-May rainy season. Ting’aa noted that the scarcity of rainfall has negatively affected agricultural activities across the county, attributing the situation to global climatic changes.
Maize, the county’s staple food crop, has suffered complete crop failure in the lower parts of the county due to prolonged moisture stress. Ting’aa emphasized the need for necessary interventions to ensure affected families receive food assistance to prevent hunger. He also warned that crops in the highland areas are at risk, particularly maize that is approaching the flowering stage and requires adequate moisture for successful pollination and grain formation.
The dry conditions have exacerbated the spread of destructive crop pests, including fall armyworms and aphids, while bean crops have experienced flower abortion due to water stress, which is expected to significantly reduce bean production. Other food crops such as sorghum and millet have also been adversely affected, raising concerns over the county’s overall food production this season.
Ting’aa highlighted that the prolonged drought has equally affected the livestock sector, with declining water levels forcing animals to travel longer distances in search of water and pasture. He noted that livestock diseases, including Lumpy Skin Disease, have become more prevalent during the dry spell, negatively affecting animal productivity. However, the government is working with farmers to contain livestock diseases through vaccination programmes and other control measures.
Farmers with access to water sources are encouraged to irrigate their crops and apply foliar fertilizers, as conventional top-dressing fertilizers are less effective without adequate rainfall. Ting’aa also attributed the worsening climate situation to environmental degradation and urged residents to intensify tree planting initiatives.
Meanwhile, West Pokot County Director of Meteorological Services, Wilson Lonyang’ole, indicated that the county is likely to continue experiencing below-normal rainfall until the beginning of August. He advised farmers with access to water to embrace irrigation and diversify their livelihoods through mixed farming and livestock keeping. He also urged farmers to prepare for the anticipated October to December rains and consult agricultural extension officers on suitable short-season crop varieties.
Lonyang’ole emphasized that the expected October-December rains associated with the El Ni±o season could provide an opportunity for farmers to recover, provided they prepare adequately. He called on communities to adopt environmentally sustainable practices to enhance resilience against changing weather patterns.
The continued dry spell has heightened concerns over food security in West Pokot, with agricultural experts warning that timely government support, investment in irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, and environmental conservation will be critical in cushioning vulnerable farming households from the effects of the unfolding drought.
