Meru County: Drought Early Warning Bulletin for October 2019

Drought Situation & EW Phase Classification

Biophysical Indicators

• During the month under review the county experienced above normal rainfall in all the livelihood zones.

• The heavy rainfall was way above the long term average for all the dekads.

• The VCI for the Igembe North, Igembe Central and Igembe South sub counties depicted moderate vegetation deficit.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production Indicators

• Weeding of maize and beans in all the livelihood zones.

• Livestock body condition was fair for all species.

• Milk production per HH per day was within the normal.

Access Indicators

• Terms of Trade were below the normal range.

• Milk consumption per HH per day was below normal range.

• Return distances to water sources were below the normal range.

• Distances to water sources from grazing areas were below the normal range.

Utilization Indicators

• The proportion of children at risk of malnutrition remained within the normal range.