By James Wekesi
As the country is going through a hard burden concerning climate change, the Bungoma farmers have been advised to take advantage of expected (OND) October–November–December rains by planting short seasoned crops and vegetables, even as the county steps in preparedness measures to mitigate possible risks associated with the rainy season.
The call was made during a two-day Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) workshop held in Bungoma County, bringing together key stakeholders from across the country to review the seasonal weather forecast and develop practical measures to help communities prepare for and benefit from the anticipated rains.
The workshop was organized by the Tunza Programme under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), in partnership with the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) and the county government of Bungoma.
The stakeholders focused on enhancing weather forecasts into practical, localized actions, particularly in agriculture, livestock, water management and disaster preparedness across the county.
Speaking during the participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) meeting held at County Green Hotel in Bungoma, the County Director of Special Programmes Caren Nasimiyu Wanyonyi, who co-chaired the preparedness meeting, stated that the county government is aware and had put in place measures to protect residents and ensure a timely response to emergencies that may arise during the rainy season.
John Mutua officer from International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) urged farmers across the county to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions throughout the rainy season.
“We thank the county government of Bungoma for engaging farmers voice to strengthen the Participatory Scenario planning (PSP)”, Mutual stated.
He also urged the county mateorologists from Nairobi when they are developing their forecast advisories to start with the farmers on decisions they make and answering their questions in a rightful manner.
County Director of Meteorologist Noah Eledi advised farmers to make the most of the potentially distributed rainfall by planting short-season crops and vegetables that can mature and generate income to curb famine. He insisted that the anticipated rains could provide an opportunity for farmers to improve food production and strengthen their livelihoods, provided they make informed decisions based on the prevailing weather conditions from the experts.
Miss Barasa a health expert from Bungoma county was also delighted to an opportunity to encourage farmers in excersing the art of self reliance on sweeping away stagnant water, clearing bushes near homesteads to avoid spending money on treating diseases.
“I request the community to always be in the know and move away from sloppy and maddy areas to avoid landslides causing deaths, treat drinking water to prevent being affected by waterbone diseases”, she stated.
Nassir Wekesa, a focal person under Tunza Programme in Bungoma county encouraged farmers to work closely with agricultural experts to improve their farming practices and maximize the opportunities presented by the expected rains. The discussions also focused on strengthening access to timely and reliable weather information to support decision-making in agriculture, livestock, water management and disaster preparedness.
The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to identify potential climate-related risks and opportunities to agree on appropriate preparedness measures and strengthen early warning and action systems at the community level ahead of the El-nino rains. Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), Kenya Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer’s Welfare, Government of India Agricultural Mex organizations were also featured.
