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Kenya

Turkana North, Central, West, East, South, and Loima Districts: Drought Monthly Bulletin, November 2009

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Situation overview

- The Greater Turkana district received very little rainfall during the month under review. For example, the Lodwar meteorological station recorded 2.8 mm which was not well distributed compared to 18.2 mm in October.

- The quality and quantity of pasture and browse in wet season grazing areas improved slightly.

- The average walking distance to and from water sources reduced from 4.4 km recorded in October to 3.3 km in November.

- The body condition of most livestock species improved slightly compared to the previous month and the mortality rate decreased from 11.85 % in October to 9.63 %. For the large stocks it decreased from 14.2 % in October to 7.6 %. In that respect, the mortality rates for small stocks increased from 9.45 % in October to 11.7 %. The average birth rate for livestock increased from 4.78% in October to 16.83%. The birth rates recorded were: 11.2%, 47.8%, 4.8% and 3.5% for cattle, sheep, goats and camels respectively.

- The livestock sales rate decreased from 4.78% recorded in October to 3.75% recorded in November. Household milk production across the six districts increased from a value of 4- 08% in October to 11.63%.

- Numerous conflict incidences were reported during the month in all the cross border zones of Turkana.

- Most health centres recorded cases of malaria and upper respiratory tract infections (URTI). Two cases of measles were also reported. Cholera outbreak was also reported in various parts of the greater Turkana District.

- The nutrition status of children below five years improved slightly during the month, with the percentage of those rated at risk of malnutrition dropping from 28.4% in October to 26.4%.

- Based on the general overview, the prevailing food security situation in six districts is at "Emergency" Phase.