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Kenya

Tharaka District: Drought Monthly Bulletin, April 2007

Attachments

Situation Overview

- Moderate but erratic rains were received in the month, with increased intensity in the 4th week. These rains varied across livelihood zones, whereby mixed farming and rain-fed cropping livelihood zones received the highest amounts and marginal mixed farming livelihood zones experienced moderately low rainfall and for less number of days. This inconsistence led to poor crop germination, prompting farmers to replant their fields. There is abundance of quality forage in all parts of the district and subsequently improved livestock production (health, body condition and milk production).

- Household food security is stable, but on a downward trend as the sales are abnormally high. Crop income constitutes largely to household income since livestock quarantine imposed in February is still effective. Water situation is normal and return distances have greatly reduced from last month.

- Livestock quarantine imposed in February is still effective. This has significantly affected livestock market and peoples livelihoods thereby impacting negatively on household food security. Livestock sold at household level for slaughter within the district attract very poor prices.

Recommendation to district authorities/DSG

- Livestock quarantine imposed two months ago has hampered peoples coping mechanism (livestock trade). This has resulted to households disposing off their farm produce to the markets at an alarming rate to meet their financial needs which include school fees. District wide vaccination of livestock against Rift Valley Fever and consequently lifting the quarantine would save the situation.

- Investigation on the reported CCPP cases in Kanjoro location and appropriate measures in order to avert further spread.

- The unconfirmed cases measles earlier reported last month has intensified especially in Kanjoro location. Appropriate interventions ought to be undertaken urgently in order to curb further spread and loss of life.

Current interventions

- Routine human and livestock health interventions at the district level went on in the month. These include disease control and sensitization on the same.