[A farmer at his garden in Wajir County. The rains that have started in the area are a great blessing to many of the farmers, who have been affected by the prolonged drought] neponline.co.ke
The state of food security in Wajir County is set to improve following the onset of rains, the Meteorological department has reported.
The Met said rains will improve livestock production as cattle keepers will not walk for long distances looking for pasture and water.
Wajir has been experiencing a long dry spell that has killed thousands of livestock as pasture dried up.
County Meteorological officer John Wanjohi said most areas in the county were receiving adequate rain.
“The delayed rains which started falling in the first week of April should provide the impetus for socio-economic recovery and sustenance of the county after the drought,” Wanjohi said.
Wajir is among counties in the country that receive low amounts of rainfall impeding livestock and crop production.
Majority of the county’s residents are pastoralists who, during drought period, walk far in search of pasture and water for their livestock.
By the time the drought which recently hit North Eastern region ended, the livestock production department said most animals in the Wajir were emaciated and thin.
In April, the United Nations food agencies donated animal feed to drought hit areas in the county.
Livestock Principal Secretary Andrew Tuimor recently flagged off 800 bags of ranch cubes and 6,400 multi-nutrient feed-blocks to be distributed to 700 households.
“The government is supplying water, fodder, vaccines and other livestock supplements to the 23 worst-hit counties,” he said.