Farmers in Taita Taveta county have been advised to practice timely land preparation and acquisition of farm inputs and early planting ahead of the expected El Nino rainfall.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the region is expected to receive near to above normal rainfall during October, November, and December 2023 season.
The OND seasonal forecast shows that the lowland areas of the county may receive more than 300 millimeters of rainfall while the highland areas are likely to receive upto 500 millimeters of rainfall.
David Kahato, the officer incharge of the Voi Met station said timely planting will help farmers increase their yields.
"Farmers are advised to be prepared by acquisition of all farm inputs, including certified seeds from accredited agro dealers tools, manure and fertilisers among others," Kahato said during the OND season's participatory scenario planning meeting in Voi on Monday.
The officer further asked farmers to work closely with agricultural extension officers in order to be advised on the right varieties.
Unlike other seasons, Kahato said, distribution of seasonal rainfall is expected to be good both in space and time during the forecast period.
"The onset of seasonal rainfalls is likely to be in the last week of September in the highland areas and mid October in lowland areas of the county," he added.
The weatherman said the peak of rainfall is expected around November while rains are anticipated to continue until January 2024.
"We are anticipating El Nino rains, and as such, there will be no rainfall cessation during the month of December 2023. The rains are likely to continue into January 2024," he added.
He further asked farmers to practice appropriate postharvest management for cereals and pulses crops and proper storage for preserving to wait for prices to stabilise.
The anticipated above normal rainfall will be a relief to farmers in the region who have been forced to brace the adverse weather conditions occasioned by depressed rainfall for more than six consecutive seasons.
The consecutive failed rain seasons have negatively affected farming in the area, rendering more than 70,000 people food insecure.
To ensure enough water harvesting during the season, Kahato further asked residents to practice simple water harvesting techniques to tap the runoff water.
"We have advised households to capitalise on roof catchment, plastic tanks, Zai-pits, farm ponds, terraces, and small pans. This will ensure enough water harvesting and storage for domestic, farming and livestock use," Kahato added.
He told residents to take advantage of the El Nino rains to practice agroforestry by planting trees around the homestead and in water catchment areas.
Communities living in low-lying areas have also been advised to consider moving to high ground or safer areas due to likelihood of flood, landslide or mudslide events.
