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Dry conditions and high temperatures push more counties in Kenya into the "Alarm" drought stage - Govt

Pays
Kenya
Sources
Govt. Kenya
Date de publication
Origine
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KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • The dry conditions and high temperatures experienced from January to March have pushed more counties into the Alarm drought stage, from one (1) in February to five (5) in March. 20 ASAL counties are reporting a worsening trend and only three (3) indicate a stable trend. Counties in the Alarm drought phase are Wajir, Mandera, Garissa, Marsabit and Turkana.

  • Average distances to water for both households and livestock increased in March in more counties. In most ASAL areas, reduced availability of pasture and water in March compared to February resulted in rapid deterioration in livestock body condition and decreased milk production.

  • Current milk production in 12 counties including Garissa, Turkana, Kajiado, Marsabit, Samburu,
    Tana River, Mandera, Laikipia, Narok, Makueni, Lamu and Nyeri (Kieni) is below expected season ranges compared to the long-term average.

  • Delay in the start of the long rains has affected timelines for farming activities, especially land preparation and planting. As a result, farmers have been advised to plant fast-maturing crops following the projected short rainfall season and drought-tolerant crops in areas expected to receive below-average rainfall.