According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the anticipated rainfall in November provides an opportunity for farmers in high-potential regions to extend the growing period, expand their agricultural endeavors, increase crop yields, avail nutritious forage for animals, and ensure food security.
The October-November-December (OND) “short-rains” season typically peaks in November. According to Kenya Met’s November forecast, it is likely that rainfall will be above average over most parts of the country, with increased probabilities in parts of the Northeast and the Central Highlands driven by the present El Nino conditions and the positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), typically associated with above-average rainfall over Kenya during the month.
Isolated episodes of storms are likely to be experienced in several parts of the country in November.
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For farmers harvesting their crops, the impact of increased rainfall can be mixed. It can extend the growing period and enhance yields for certain crops. They may however also pose challenges during harvest, potentially leading to crop damage.
High-potential areas will experience rainfall providing favorable conditions for crop cultivation. These regions include: the highlands west and east of the Rift Valley, the Lake Victoria Basin, Central, and South Rift Valley, as well as the Southeastern lowlands,(Siaya, Kisumu, Homabay, Migori, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Kakamega, Vihiga, Bungoma, Busia, Kisii, Nyamira, Laikipia, Nakuru, Narok, Kericho, Bomet, Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang’a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, and Tharaka-Nithi Counties).
Livestock Farmers
The rainfall is also anticipated to rejuvenate pasturelands in arid and semi-arid (ASAL) areas of the Northern, Southeastern, and Coastal regions. These are (Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Kajiado, Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Taita Taveta, Mombasa, Tana River, Kilifi, Lamu, and Kwale counties).
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This will be particularly beneficial for livestock keepers, as it ensures the availability of nutritious forage for their animals.