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Marsabit County: Drought Early Warning Bulletin for September 2019

Countries
Kenya
Sources
Govt. Kenya
Publication date
Origin
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Drought Situation & EW Phase Classification

Biophysical Indicators

Rainfall: Offseason rains were received majorly in Moyale sub-county and few pockets across the County. The off-season rains were poorly distributed both spatially and temporally.

Vegetation condition: The 3-months Vegetation Condition Index for the month under review was 28.83 thus fell in the moderate vegetation deficit strap and was below normal when compared to similar periods. Forage condition was fair-poor across all livelihood zones.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production indicators: Livestock body condition was fair-poor for small stock and cattle while camels exhibited good-fair body condition across all livelihood zones. Milk production was 1.1Litres/household/day which was below normal. Livestock deaths were reported in few pockets due to drought and off-season rains. Intense livestock migration was witnessed across the County and farms were cultivated in readiness of short rains.

Access indicators: Household water distances was long while livestock trekking distances more than doubled and 90percent of open water sources dried up. Milk consumption was 0.75Litres/household/day and below normal when compared to similar periods. Terms of trade was below normal due to below normal goat prices and stable maize prices. Livestock market operations were below normal due to reduced traded volumes and low livestock prices especially for cattle and sheep.

Utilization indicators: Nutritional status of children below the age of five years were above normal. Food consumption score was in the borderline band across while consumption based coping strategy index was stressed.