Situation Overview
The period under review was characterised by dry and hot weather condition. Nil rainfall was recorded.
Water availability and accessibility for livestock, agriculture and domestic use was fair but rapidly declining, distance to and from watering points appreciated and averaged 7 Kms. All temporary water sources (pans and dams) were dry.
Boreholes and shallow wells were the main water sources, at a fee 10-15/= per head of cattle per month.
Livestock body condition was fair for all species but on continueing downward trend owing to declining availability of pasture and water and increased distance between pasture and water points.
There were reported cases of ECF, black quarter, CBPP in cattle and CCPP in shoats as in the previous month.
Average cattle price declined from Ksh 9, 489 to Ksh. 9,167 in September and October 2006 respectively. The observed trend is mainly attributed to decline in pasture availability, distance trekking in search of pastures and water (5-7km) and influx of cattle from Tanzania through Namanga and Shompole border.
Child malnutrition rates are on upward trend. The number of children with MUAC < 135mm- (At Risk %) increased from 14.00% to 14.80 % in September and October 2006 respectively.
80% of households food needs are met by purchases and relief food.
Food insecurity in the district needs close monitoring and urgent mechanism put in place to address the impending food shortage.
Recommendation to district Authorities/DSG and National KFSSG Food Intervention:
Continued relief food operations in the district: retargeting of affected population under EMOP.
Nutritional support/supplementary feeding should be targeted to communities still reporting persistent high malnutrition rate among the under fives.
Livestock Sector
Disease control- vaccination of cattle and small stock against CCPP, LSD and diarrhoea in small stock.
Livestock restocking /redistribution
Education
Enhanced school feeding program
Water Sector
Rehabilitation and drilling of strategic boreholes
Desilting and excavation of pans
Current drought / concluded interventions
Food Aid: GoK/WFP EMOP Phase IV; is on going.
Ksh. 6 million KLMC/OXFAM GB restocking/redistribution programme in Imaroro, Osilaiei and Mailwa
NIA/ACCORD/ Concern World Wide- Water development, Livestock restocking and Ipomoea control
German Agro - Action - Water development in Mashuru division
KWS/Kenya Veterinary Association- vaccination of livestock in Loitokitok
1.0 Environmental indicators (Stability)
1.1 Rainfall
The month under review was characterised by dry and hot weather condition.
The observed trend is normal at this time of the year.
1.2 Condition of Natural vegetation and pasture.
The quantity and quality of both pasture and browse was fair but rapidly declining as the dry season progresses. Pasture was available in its driest standing hay form.
Generally, most areas reported declining availability of both pasture and browse. Pasture is in its driest standing hay form.
Distance to grazing areas
Distance to grazing areas averaged 7km in most areas.
The distance to grazing areas is on upward trend as the dry season progresses.
1.3 Water availability and accessibility
Water sources
Temporary water sources (dams and pans) were dry.
Rivers, boreholes, shallow wells, pipe lines are the main water sources in the pastoral areas; while springs, piped water and seasonal rivers serve the agricultural livelihood zones.
Water availability was fair but on the down ward trend compared to the previous month.
The observed situation is near normal compared to a normal year.
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