Situation Overview
During the month under review, the County experienced poorly distributed rains in both time and space. All Marginal Mixed Farming, Mixed Farming and Pastoral zones have reported having received little to no rains during the reporting period. In summary, all zones received an average two days of rainfall across the County.
During the month under review, the water levels in water sources in the County were steady especially where rivers had dried up almost completely before the rains, but may decline due to lack of adequate rains in April. The main water sources in the other zones remain shallow wells, boreholes, natural rivers, wells and springs and roof catchments
Owing to the erratic rains across the County, there is the likelihood of the pasture and browse quality and quantity diminishing. The current pasture and browse situation in the County is expected to diminish should the current erratic rain conditions prevail. Animals from neighboring counties have started trickling into the county in search of pasture.
The prolonged lack of rain in the high productive areas may lead to crop failure and subsequent famine. Also considering the poor harvests last season, the situation may worsen in the coming months.
The body condition of livestock in Pastoral zones is fair and better. The body condition of livestock is fair in MF zones and parts of MMF zone but may deteriorate due to diminishing pastures.
There was no major change in the average maize prices at the markets at Kshs. 36 compared to previous month’s Kshs.37 during the month under review. At the household level, Laikipia County recorded a 6% increase in the quantity of milk produced and11% increase in milk consumption. The slight increase in milk production could be attributed to the improved pasture conditions after the heavy rains in March.
There was no change recorded in the average MUAC (Mid Upper Arm Circumference) trend at 3.7% as at April. The highest MUAC percentage levels were recorded in Magadi (Olmoran) at 25%, a 4% increase compared to the previous month.
There were no major human disease outbreaks that were recorded in the County. However, there were minor cases of respiratory tract infections for children and common colds reported.
There are no major diseases reported in livestock except worm infections. No other livestock diseases have been reported yet. Cases of crop pests and diseases have not been reported yet at any of the livelihood zones.
A kilo of meat is able to purchase 3.12 Kg of cereal compared to previous month’s 2.88 Kg of the same, hence the terms of trade recorded a slight change, favoring Pastoral zones. A normal shoat of 15 Kg costing an average of Ksh. 1,876 is able to purchase 46.8 Kg of cereal compared to last month’s 44 Kg.
Cases of human wildlife conflict have been reported across the County such as the destruction of crop by Zebras, Eland and Baboons which was reported in MMF zones bordering ranches.