Ruto raise alarm over impact of climate change on food security
President William Ruto has sounded the alarm, identifying climate change as the “biggest threat” to the Kenya’s food security.
Speaking at an agricultural fair in Eldoret on Friday, Ruto highlighted the challenges posed by erratic weather patterns, including frequent heavy rains and prolonged dry spells, which have made food production increasingly difficult for farmers across the East African nation.
Ruto emphasised the devastating effects of recent climate events, such as the destructive El Nino rains, which not only ravaged crops but also exacerbated post-harvest losses.
He underscored the uncertainty faced by farmers in determining optimal planting and harvesting times, attributing these challenges to climate change.
The government, Ruto noted, is actively promoting and supporting the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers mitigate the impacts of changing weather patterns and ensure food production sustainability.
Kenya, along with Ethiopia and Somalia, grappled with the worst drought in four decades in 2023, affecting over 4.1 million people, as reported by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA).
Moreover, the country experienced devastating flooding caused by El Nino rains in late 2023, resulting in casualties, displacements, and extensive crop damage.
Looming threat
The looming threat of enhanced rainfall predicted by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Application Center further exacerbates concerns of flooding in the Horn of Africa region between March and May. Meanwhile, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) reported a decline in global food prices in February, primarily driven by lower grain and cereal prices.
Despite this trend, sugar, meat, and dairy prices continued to rise. Grains and cereals registered a 5 per cent decrease from January and a 22.4 per cent decline year-on-year, attributed to stable trade routes amid geopolitical tensions and favorable harvest conditions for rice and corn. However, sugar prices climbed 3.2 per cent due to concerns over Brazil’s harvest, while meat prices rose 1.8 per cent due to heightened global demand and decreased beef exports from Australia.
