Armed herdsmen. Drought management authority says Garissa herders still in need of food aid despite start of short rains. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]Hundreds of families in Garissa County affected by drought still require food aid support even after the onset of the current rains being experienced in various parts of the region.
Garissa National Drought and Management Authority coordinator Abdinoor Dubow said the drought affected many families who most are herders.
Mr Dubow said despite short rains in some parts of the county last week and this week some areas did not receive enough rains and families affected by drought are currently in need of relief supplies.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Dubow said the rains were only limited to Fafi, Dadaab and Ijara constituencies adding that parts of Balambala and Lagdera sub-counties did not receive rains.
The rain saved the pastoralists from the drought which hit the region and dried several water points causing livestock to die due to the scarcity of water and pasture.
“The rains are good news for our pastoralists who have lost most of their herd to the harsh drought that has been going on since late last year. We need at least a minimum of two weeks for the grass to regenerate into pasture,” Mr Dubow said.
Most of the families who are herders have crossed over to neighbouring Somalia and Ethiopia in search of pasture and water for their animals due to drought.