Situation over view
- Food security situation remained stable
- light rainfall showers that were poorly spatially distributed were received in the district
- pasture and browse situation remained stable
- water stress is being experienced in the marginal mixed farming livelihood zone
- cases of Newcastle disease were reported in Mutha & Mutomo divisions
- short -term maturing pigeon peas is being harvested whereas moderate period maturing pigeon pea crop is at flowering and podding stage
- maize and bean crops in the field are drying -up
- livestock body conditions are good
- prices of livestock went up
- prices of maize remained stable
- the nutritional status for children below the age of five improved
Recommendations to DSG and KFSM
- Sensitization of farmers on house hold food budget economy
- NCPB should allow farmers in Mutitu to use their storage facility which is lying idle yet they don't have adequate storage facilities. They should also maintain a strategic preserve of stocks purchased from district to sell to farmers during the dry period
- A permanent solution to the water crisis in Mutomo should be sought
- Initiate livestock upgrading programs
- A base line survey on the viability bee- keeping enterprises in the district should be conducted
- Plans for destocking campaigns should be established
- The current fruit production potential within the district should be well harnessed for improved productivity
Current Interventions
Food Interventions
- Distribution of food to the vulnerable groups in Yatta, Ikutha & Mutha divisions by ADRA Kenya
- Occasional distribution of food to vulnerable members of the community by GoK
- UN WFP is preparing communities in the mixed farming livelihood zone to undertake food for assets projects
Non Food Interventions
- Development of water storage facilities by German Agro Action
- Setting up Micro-irrigation projects along Tiva & Athi Rivers by ALRMP & ADRA Kitui project
- Communities have started preparing their horticultural plots along the river banks
- Livestock vaccinations against black quarter in Mwitika
- Sensitization on food storage and disposal by the department of agriculture
- ADRA is loaning farmers to support both on-farm and off-farm activities- enable farmers access inputs and carry out trade.
- Farmers are currently selling mature livestock and use the proceeds to buy yearlings that can better survive a long dry spell
- The Catholic diocese of Kitui through their food security programme are conducting field days to sensitize farmers on post harvesting technology & creation of market linkages
- DASS is training farmers on farming as a business
- Feed conservation campaigns by the ministry of livestock