This archive report was first published on 10 December 2019.
Kenya's farmers have been urged to plant fast-maturing crops to make the most of the current short rains and ensure the country's food security.
According to Job Oyoo, a Manager at the Export Trading Group, crops that mature within three months would be ideal for the present weather conditions.
Mr Oyoo listed cabbages, kales, tomatoes, hybrid varieties of maize and beans as some of the short-term crops that farmers can profit from during the ongoing rains.
He also suggested cultivating drought-tolerant crops such as sorghum, cassava, millet, cowpeas, and green grams, which can thrive in challenging weather conditions.
However, Mr Oyoo warned that the North Rift region may experience huge post-harvest losses due to the changing rain patterns, which can delay the harvesting of grains and expose them to pests and rodents.
He advised farmers to embrace modern storage facilities that can keep grains dry at a uniform temperature and protect them from insects, rodents, and birds.
Mr Oyoo also emphasized the importance of turning agriculture into a lucrative venture, which can attract youths and help tame the unemployment challenge in the country.
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