Murang’a: During the March-May long rains season, Murang’a County is expected to experience near to above average rainfall. The forecast predicts a rainfall distribution ranging from 400mm in lower zones to over 800mm in upper zones due to varying terrains. Therefore, the March to May rains are the most reliable for agricultural practices in Murang’a County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Murang’a County Director of Meteorological Services, Stanley Kinyua, predicts long rains from March 4th to April 1st, with some rainfall in February and a dry spell. ‘The peak of the rains is expected to be in the month of April for most parts of the county and the offset is expected to be early June,’ Kinyua told KNA Wednesday.
He noted the farming community should maximize crop yield through appropriate land use management, taking advantage of expected near to above-normal rainfall performance. ‘Farmers are advised to liaise with the agricultural officers for advice on the appropriate type and variety of seeds to be used. The expected late onset is, however, likely to impact negatively resulting in delayed planting and germination,’ remarked Kinyua.
He called upon agriculture extension officers to advise farmers on appropriate variety and types of crops to plant considering the amount of expected rain. ‘The county is expected to receive substantial rainfall, the ministry of environment and climate change need to encourage residents to put in place soil conservation measures to minimize environmental degradation caused by soil erosion,’ he added.
On the other hand, Kinyua continued, ‘Residents should also enhance agroforestry and plant more indigenous trees in order to increase forest cover and conserve the environment.’ The director further encouraged residents to harvest rain water both on roof catchment and surface runoff during the rains so as to boost water availability in homes especially during dry seasons.
He however noted the expected amount of rainfall is likely to cause flash floods, landslides, and mudslides in prone areas. ‘The county disaster committee is advised to be on standby in order to ensure mitigation of any negative impacts that may arise,’ he stated. Meanwhile, review of the November-December rainfall season last year revealed that most parts of the county received below-normal rainfall, with poor distribution in time and space.