Tana river: The ongoing severe drought in most parts of Tana River County has affected the livelihoods of hundreds of residents, especially livestock keepers. The region, where animals are a measure of wealth, has experienced acute crop and fodder failure following prolonged periods of dry spells for two consecutive seasons, leaving agriculture- and livestock-dependent households destitute.
According to Kenya News Agency, water pans and dams, particularly in Kone, Bura, and Bangale sub-counties, have dried up, forcing residents and their livestock to walk long distances in search of water. The national government is scaling up assistance to millions of people on the verge of famine in 23 counties hardest hit by the current protracted drought. Experts attribute the devastating drought to a dramatic shift in weather patterns blamed on climate change.
A spot check by the agency in Tana River County revealed that residents were facing acute food scarcity and livestock and crop losses, as well as escalating economic hardship brought on by the prolonged drought. The impact of the drought is evident as once lush fields of crops have withered, while livestock appear weak and emaciated.
Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku noted that 23 counties across the country are facing similar rain failure challenges, leaving over 2.3 million people food insecure. Speaking in Tana River, Ruku emphasized the extreme water and food shortages that require immediate intervention to avert a possible humanitarian disaster. He assured residents of government support during this time of adversity.
Area Governor Maj (Rtd) Dhadho Godhana highlighted the rise in confrontation between crop farmers and livestock keepers as herders clash with farmers along the banks of River Tana. The county government, in collaboration with the national government, the Kenya Red Cross Society, and other humanitarian agencies, is providing emergency support and mitigating the effects of the prolonged drought.
Nzioka Wambua, Tana River County Director of Livestock Development, stated that climate change variability has led to extreme drought, water scarcity, and pasture depletion, leaving rain-fed farmers and herders destitute. The drought crisis has caused an acute shortage of water and pasture, leading to high livestock mortality and poor animal health.
Mzee Godana Godole, a veteran livestock farmer in Kone Sub County, shared that the crisis has caused livestock to suffer extreme emaciation, disease, and deaths. Halima Koro, chairlady of the Tana River fodder farmers association, urged for support in the cultivation of improved pasture seeds and fodder shrubs to secure food supply during dry seasons.
