Photo : AP
With sorrow, Martha Waema and her husband surveyed their inundated farm, a victim of weeks of relentless rainfall sweeping across Kenya. Overnight deluges caused water levels to rise to shoulder height, devastating their three acres planted with maize, peas, cabbages, tomatoes, and kale. They had invested 80,000 shillings ($613) with hopes of a 200,000 shilling ($1,500) return, but now faced complete loss.
"I've farmed for 38 years, but never seen losses like this," lamented the 62-year-old mother of 10.
The flooding, attributed by Kenya's government to erratic weather patterns from climate change, began in mid-March, claiming nearly 300 lives, swelling dams to record levels, and forcing evacuations in flood-prone areas.
As farmers grapple with their losses — estimated to affect over 168,000 acres (67,987 hectares) — the crisis portends food insecurity and heightened prices, dealing a blow to Kenya's agricultural ambitions.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
Jane Kirui, an agricultural officer in Narok County, stressed the urgency of sustainable land management practices like terracing and cover cropping to mitigate soil erosion and enhance water absorption. In Machakos County, Waema turned to digging trenches to salvage what remained of her farm on Nairobi's outskirts.
In contrast, 200 kilometers (125 miles) away in Olokirikirai, James Tobiko Tipis, 65, avoided flooding through proactive measures like crop terracing to prevent landslides.
Experts underscored the need for broader adoption of soil conservation practices across Kenya's vulnerable landscapes, advocating for diversified cropping and improved water resource management to sustain agriculture amidst climate uncertainties.
Professor John Gathenya of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology emphasized the critical role of soil as a natural water reservoir, urging careful land use to safeguard against runoff and preserve agricultural productivity.
"In our pursuit of increased food production, we must prioritize soil conservation, especially in fragile environments vulnerable to climate impacts," Gathenya warned, highlighting the need for sustainable farming practices to secure Kenya's agricultural future.
#trending #latest #KenyaFloods #ClimateChangeImpact #AgriculturalCrisis #FoodSecurity #SoilConservation #FarmersLoss #ClimateResilience #DisasterPreparedness #WaterManagement #KenyaAgriculture #breakingnews #worldnews #headlines #topstories #globalUpdate #dxbnewsnetwork #dxbnews #dxbdnn #dxbnewsnetworkdnn #bestnewschanneldubai #bestnewschannelUAE #bestnewschannelabudhabi #bestnewschannelajman #bestnewschannelofdubai #popularnewschanneldubai
SeaWorld Yas Island and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center have received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), becoming only the...Read More.
Authorities were first alerted in March by food inspectors. After months of surveillance, they arrested the pizzeria's manager at his residence, uncovering a dr...Read More.
DigiHealth: World’s Largest Gathering for Digital Health Launches in Dubai from September 8-10, 2025
Eric Prydz Brings His Groundbreaking HOLO Show to Dubai for the First Time
Dubai is set to experience a groundbreaking fusion of music and technology as world-renowned DJ Eric
7 Emirates" Art Exhibition, curated by the highly regarded Jesno Jackson
Ratan Tata: A Legacy of Leadership and Kindness
SeaWorld Yas Island and Rescue Center Earn Global Accreditation for Animal Care
SeaWorld Yas Island and the Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Center have received accreditation from the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), becoming only the
German Police Raid Restaurant After Cocaine-Laced Pizza Becomes a Best Seller
Authorities were first alerted in March by food inspectors. After months of surveillance, they arrested the pizzeria's manager at his residence, uncovering a dr
Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed attends wedding reception of Thani bin Mohamed bin Jibarah Almarar
Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed has attended a wedding reception hosted by Mohamed bin Jibarah bin Hasan Almarar in celebration of the marriage of his son, Thani bin
Canada Implements Stricter Foreign Worker Rules to Prioritize Domestic Labor
The newly enacted regulations are designed to encourage companies to prioritize hiring Canadians over seeking foreign talent, aiming to bolster domestic employm
Department of Municipalities and Transport Launches New Occupancy Certification Program
The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport launched the Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certificate Programme.
Israeli Missile Destroys Residential Building in Beirut Attack
The incident has ignited global outrage and escalated tensions between the two nations involved.
Meet Pam Kaur: HSBC's First Female CFO in 160 Years of History
Pam Kaur earned an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) from Panjab University in Chandigarh.
Severe Storm Expected to Strike Eastern India and Bangladesh Regions
On Wednesday, authorities canceled train services, advised fishermen to avoid the sea, and readied evacuations for those in vulnerable areas as a severe cycloni
Rocket Attacks Trigger Sirens During Blinken's Visit to Tel Aviv
Israel's air force intercepted two rockets fired from Lebanon, triggering air raid sirens in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. This incident occurred during the visit of U
SLG Group Starts AED 200 Million Integrated Hub at Dubai Industrial City
the Middle East’s top manufacturing and logistics hub, part of TECOM Group PJSC’s 10 dynamic business districts in Dubai
© DNN. All Rights Reserved.