Kyuso residents face food shortage

By Ireri Mwaniki

Food shortage is the talk of the day in Ukambani region. The extreme drought at this part of the county has had negative effects on the food security of the region. The last decade has seen a rise in poverty levels in the area soar up occasioned by famine.

In the recent past, this region has received an approximate amount of less than 100mm of rainfall. Short rains were registered in the months of April and November. With these rains, the residents have adopted planting of drought resistant crops including sorghum and millet.

Little or no produce has been recorded in the area for many years. The only cereal depot available is used to store relief food brought to the area. With most families having many members, the relief food or even the low produce from the area cannot sustain them to the next harvest or the next donation, whichever comes first.

The much needed basic commodities is another challenge to the little produce from the farms. These commodities can only be obtained through purchase. This has risked many families since they are forced to sell their meager harvest to meet other demands.

However, the government and other Non-Governmental Organizations including Action Aid have been giving humanitarian assistance to the most affected residents. Action Aid has been supporting self-help groups by giving them relief food, drought resistant seeds and other farm inputs.

Irrigated farm in Kyuso(Photo: Mike Ireri/KCV)

Residents around  water sources have started small scale irrigation schemes. Mbwani is a village in Kyuso district where residents here have organized themselves into groups and started irrigation projects fed by Mbwani dam at the base of Kyuso Rock. They have been planting vegetables like kales and tomatoes.