Drought Situation & EW Phase Classification

Biophysical Indicators

Rainfall report: 22.1 mm of rainfall was recorded in Mt Marsabit and 14.4 mm recorded in Moyale Station. The spatial and temporal distribution was poor.

Vegetation condition; Pasture and browse condition is fair in agro pastoral livelihood and poor in most areas in pastoral livelihood zone as confirmed by VCI which shows severe vegetation deficit for County.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production indicators; farmers have planted maize and beans. Maize is above the knee stage and withering out due to depressed moisture. Livestock body condition is good to fair in agro pastoral livelihood zone and fair to poor in pastoral livelihood for all the species - Milk production has slightly improved in Agro pastoral livelihood zone and reduced in Pastoral Livelihood. Livestock Migration patterns is not normal. In and out migration was reported in the County. Livestock deaths as a result of drought have been reported.

Access indicators; Terms of trade has slightly improved due to increase in goat prices. Return distance to water sources for human depicted insignificant increase in December. Milk consumption has marginally increased in few areas especially agro pastoral and declined in pastoral livelihood zone. Cost of water (20 litres) is within normal ranges of Ksh 0-5.

Utilization Indicators; malnutrition levels in the County was 19.9% a slight improvement compared to last month. Coping strategies index has stabilized when compared to last month although still remains above the normal ranges.

Read the full bulletin here...Marsabit County Drought Early Warning Bulletin