Drought Situation & EW Phase Classification
Biophysical Indicators
In August, 2015 dry weather, hot temperatures and dusty conditions prevailed in most parts of the county similar to what was observed in the month of July.
The Vegetation Condition Index (VCI) was 31.38 illustrating moderate drought conditions with a worsening trend for Tharaka north and Tharaka south sub-counties.
The state of water sources was fair to poor in the period under review attributed to the ongoing dry spell.
Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)
Migrations of livestock from Gabartula (Isiolo County) to Kathangachini (Tharaka Nithi County) were reported in the period under review.
Pasture and browse quality was fair to poor across all livelihood zones coupled with on farm crops residue to supplement livestock feeds especially in the Mixed Farming livelihood zone.
Livestock body condition was fair, which is normal at this time of the year.
Milk Production per livelihood zone was recorded at an average of 26 litres and consumption at 20 litres respectively in comparison to an average production of 31 litres and an average consumption of 23 litres.
Terms of Trade (ToT) ratio were at 97 in comparison to an average of 74 implying TOT was favourable to the livestock keepers.
Percentage of children at risk for malnourished whose MUAC was below 135mm was 6.2 for the period under review which was slightly below the average of 7.4.