Baringo County is confronting a major maize production crisis as drought conditions have devastated crops, with losses estimated at 75% of the expected harvest. The prolonged dry spell has left thousands of hectares in key farming zones like Mochongoi and Marigat barren and unproductive.
Farmers who invested in the planting season are now facing significant financial hardship. Caroline Cheserem, a farmer who cultivated three hectares, lost both her crop and the loan she used to finance it. Many households dependent on maize for sustenance and income are similarly affected.
Irrigation efforts have offered limited relief. At the Pekerra irrigation scheme in Marigat, dwindling water levels in River Pekerra have reduced irrigable land to under 50 hectares, exposing farms to the same drought stress as rain-fed areas.
Impact on Lowland Areas and Local Economy
County assessments reveal the worst damage in lowland regions, where extreme heat has caused crop losses of up to 80% in some locations. Officials warn that reduced maize output will likely drive up prices of maize and maize flour, intensifying the burden on households already struggling with rising living costs.
Drought Compounded by Insecurity and Environmental Strain
Insecurity in parts of Mochongoi has further disrupted farming activities during the growing season. The drought also threatens pastoral livelihoods as shrinking pastureland forces livestock into forested areas, raising concerns about forest ecosystem degradation. Alex Lemarkoko, Chief Conservator of Forests, highlighted the risks posed by pastoral migration into forests in search of grazing.
Broader Food Security Concerns and Government Response
Baringo has historically been a maize supplier to neighboring counties, so its poor harvest adds pressure on national grain reserves, especially following similar failures in other grain-producing regions like Trans-Nzoia.
In response, the government is preparing for upcoming weather challenges. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki announced a revised forecast predicting El Niño rains from October to January, following this season's depressed rainfall. Measures include subsidized farm inputs for the next planting season, targeted food security support for vulnerable groups, and implementation of the National El Niño Contingency Plan, which focuses on infrastructure reinforcement and emergency preparedness.
