NYERI: Farmers in Nyeri are confronting the possibility of crop failure as the short rains, expected to last from October to December, appear to be ending prematurely. The Kenya Meteorological Department’s seven-day forecast indicates that from December 10 to December 16, the region will largely experience sunny intervals, with intermittent cloudiness and maximum temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius.
According to Kenya News Agency, this forecast raises concerns for farmers who depend on these rains for successful harvests. Nyeri County Director of Meteorological Services, John Muiruri, highlighted that the department had previously provided important weather advisories to stakeholders, suggesting that farmers plant fast-maturing crops in anticipation of reduced rainfall.
Muiruri noted that those who followed the guidance might still salvage some produce, whereas others who planted longer-maturing crops could face significant losses. He had previously warned that the short rains would be insuff
icient and advised against expecting a prolonged wet season.
The current weather patterns align with earlier predictions from the Kenya Meteorological Department, which anticipated below-average rainfall for the October-December period. The forecast has led to growing anxiety among farmers, with some, like Mary Wachira from Gatitu village, expressing fears of losing their entire crop. Wachira and others had hoped for timely rains but are now worried about the impact of the dry spell on their harvests.
Central Region National Drought Management Authority coordinator Lordman Lekakul has advised adopting alternative agricultural practices to mitigate adverse weather impacts. He warned of a potentially disappointing season, urging farmers to consider drought-tolerant crops instead of those requiring extended rainfall periods.
Despite these challenges, Lekakul dismissed the likelihood of an immediate food crisis in Nyeri, citing that such a scenario would require two consecutive failed rainy seasons. However, K
enya’s recent history of drought, marked by five failed rainy seasons, has already had severe consequences, including significant livestock losses and millions in need of food relief.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on adapting to changing weather patterns and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices to safeguard food security in the region.