This archive report was first published on 14 January 2020.
Climate change is a pressing global issue that threatens the world with persistent and severe consequences. As the effects of prolonged droughts and floods intensify and spread, Kenya's ability to feed its growing population is put to the test.
The country's population of 47.8 million, coupled with accelerated soil erosion due to floods and drought, has led to a significant reduction in arable land. This, combined with low commodity prices and unavailability of ready markets, poses a serious threat to agriculture as a source of food, income, and employment.
Unfavorable weather events have also led to power outages, rendering industrial operations inoperable and causing reduced productivity. This, in turn, has led to downsizing and increased insecurity, as well as delayed medical services and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Furthermore, floods have made roads impassable, causing landslides and avalanches, while drought has led to hunger, conflicts, and the spread of airborne diseases.
The effects of climate change have also had a devastating impact on farmlands and rangelands, with the multiplication of quelea quelea birds threatening wheat harvests in Narok County, prompting the government to spend Sh200 million on spraying pesticides.
Locusts have also been a major concern, with the government having to spray 3,000 litres of pesticides in Mandera, Marsabit, and Wajir after residents' attempts to scare them away proved futile.
These events highlight the need for disaster management and planning, as well as preparedness and resource mobilization before climate emergencies. Predictions using advanced technologies and indigenous knowledge should also be given ample space in disaster readiness.
