In Machakos, Kenya, Martha Waema and her husband faced devastation as their farm was submerged by continuous heavy rainfall. Their investment in crops like maize, peas, cabbages, tomatoes, and kale did not yield the expected return of 200,000 shillings ($1,500) after investing 80,000 shillings ($613). This loss has deeply affected Waema, who has been farming for 38 years and never faced such significant damages before.
The Kenyan government attributes this extreme weather to climate change, causing erratic weather patterns that have resulted in severe flooding since mid-March. Nearly 300 people have lost their lives, dams are at historically high levels, and residents in flood-prone areas are being evacuated, with non-compliant homes facing demolition.
The aftermath of the floods includes destroyed crops on more than 168,000 acres of land, impacting food security and leading to anticipated price hikes. The country, aiming to boost agriculture as a key economic driver, is now grappling with the fallout of the floods and the need for improved disaster preparedness.
One farmer, James Tobiko Tipis, 65, managed to safeguard his 16-acre farm in Olokirikirai from the floods by terracing crops in anticipation of climate shocks, preventing soil erosion and losses. Agricultural experts emphasize the importance of employing methods like terracing, cover crops, and diversifying crops to mitigate future climate-related disasters.
Efforts to conserve water resources in rural areas remain insufficient despite the current abundant rainfall. Experts advocate for sustainable land management practices, recognizing the significance of soil health in water retention and the need to prevent deforestation and soil degradation.
Professor John Gathenya from Jomo Kenyatta University stresses the importance of soil conservation practices over large-scale infrastructure projects, urging a return to effective soil conservation strategies. Maintaining soil health is crucial in ensuring water sustainability, especially in the face of climate change challenges.
