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By Isabella Maua
Bungoma County government has assured farmers of its preparedness to mitigate El Nino rains, despite the region being listed among the highest-risk counties in the country.
Speaking during an interview at his Mukuyuni office, Bungoma North Sub County Veterinary Officer, Dr. Wechabe Simiyu, reported that the livestock department has been working collaboratively with other departments to curb the adverse effects of El Nino.
“From the time the meteorological department sounded the impending El Nino upsurge, we have been effortlessly working to ensure our farmers are cushioned,” stated Dr. Simiyu.
During such calamities, not only human beings are at risk but also plants and animals, who might lose their lives if not well taken care of.
According to Dr. Simiyu, farmers should liaise with veterinarians to ensure the safety and well-being of animals beside moving to safer locations, and avoid cultivation near water bodies.
“It would be advisable for farmers who live in prone areas to move as guided by experts, bearing in mind not to plant any crops near rivers because siltation will be inevitable,” warned Dr. Simiyu.
Siltation, which is the dirt, soil, or sediment that is carried and deposited by water from upstream, would definitely interfere with the adequacy of clean drinking water for animals, besides covering the pasture.
“In 1997, when El Nino rain hit us in the Western region, getting milk was a challenge since cattle couldn’t access adequate pasture or clean water, but I’m glad this time our county has stepped up to look into our needs,” Maria Nanjala, a farmer at Tongaren recalled.
James Kibet from Mt.Elgon is a herder who’s been practicing farming for the past 35 years, and in his opinion, the county government should provide animal feed to livestock farmers, move them to safer grounds, and provide mobile standby veterinarian services to save them from catastrophe.
On the other hand, Dr. Simiyu advised the public to clear bushes within their compounds and plant fodder-covered crops like sweet potatoes and grasses like bracharia and Boma Rhodes to mitigate the impending calamity.
“Let us be wise and harvest as much water as we can because prolonged rains equal prolonged dry spells,” commended Dr. Simiyu.
He reiterated, “farmers should bring their cattle, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, and even donkeys for vaccination since it is a very risky period.”
Ripple Effect is one of the non-governmental organizations working closely with Bungoma County Government to ensure farmers livelihoods are improved.
Kennedy Wanyonyi, program facilitator at the organization, maintains that their key mandate is to ensure sustainable organic agriculture, which they have achieved by teaching farmers a variety of methods to cushion them from El Nino.
“So far, we have been working closely with the county of Bungoma, and we’re teaching farmers how to do mulching, Mandala, Keyhole, and raised bed farming to not only get maximum yields but also protect the soil,” he divulged.
Wanyonyi added, “We’re also very passionate about tree planting and compost making, which primarily aid in developing very poor soil.”
Even as the government plays its part in attenuating El Nino effects in the region, farmers should adhere to expert advice and be vigilant on their livestock and crop surveillance so that they can report any peculiar observations to the respective departments.