Drought hits Kenya county, destroys livestock

By Bisola Adeyemo

According to National Drought Management Authority’s (NDMA)report, about 219,000 people in Kilifi County in Kenya have been affected by drought.

Kilifi County Director Adam Kheri Ndamungu, Speaking to the press in his office, on Friday, stated that the assessments were conducted in February this year after the county witnessed a severe drought following depressed rains in October and November last year.

He said farmer counts losses as lack of water increased the death of livestock with cattle recording the highest rate of deaths due to lack of water.

He further explains that Lack of enough rain in the county affected all farming sectors, especially crop and livestock farmers, lowering milk production, growth of grass, and as a result claiming the lives of most livestock.

“I noted that water pans did not get a good water recharge except for areas like Ganze Sub-County where they experienced short rains. Magarini, Kilifi North and Kaloleni Sub-counties did not receive rain as expected, hence posing a great danger to the residents,” Ndamungu said.

Referring to the weather latest report, he advises the farmers to take precautions on the number of their livestock versus the amount of water and pasture they need to sustain them stating that drought is due after every 3 years.

“A practical example is Europe countries which are in the winter season but have enough food for the livestock and themselves to sustain livestock until the next season,” he stated.

“During this season I advise farmers to plant drought-resistant crops like green grams, peas, and maize type DH4 and DK8031 which have been recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture to sustain you long enough before the next rainy season,” he added.