Plant early maturing crops ahead of short rains, farmers urged
Kenyan government officials are urging farmers to adopt early-maturing, climate-resilient seeds to mitigate the impact of expected below-normal rainfall. The initiative aims to address food security concerns following recent crop failures caused by prolonged drought.
Why it matters
Climate change is forcing agricultural shifts in East Africa, necessitating government intervention to prevent widespread food shortages.
A maturing drought tolerant maize crop at the demonstration plot./FILE
Farmers have been urged to seize the upcoming short rains by planting certified, early-maturing and climate-resilient seed varieties that can mature within the shortened rainfall period.
Kenya is expected to record below-normal harvests this year after prolonged drought and poor seasonal rains caused widespread crop failure in several parts of the country.
This has prompted renewed calls for farmers to adopt climate-smart farming practices ahead of the September-December short rains.
The warning comes as the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasts that August will remain predominantly dry across most parts of the country.
Warmer-than-average temperatures are likely to worsen crop moisture stress, reduce pasture availability and increase water demand for livestock, particularly in the arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs).
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