Drought-hit farmers wary of replanting

Farmers in drought-stricken areas of Kenya are hesitant to replant maize in the upcoming short rains season, despite government efforts to support them. In the North Rift region, where maize is the primary crop, many farmers lost their crops to drought and diseases. The government has reduced the prices of fertiliser and certified maize seed, but farmers are doubtful about returning to production as they face other challenges such as high fuel costs, herbicides, and labour shortages.

Some farmers are repaying loans to plant the damaged crop and lack capital to invest in a second crop. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe stated that farmers should not lose the ability to plant the next crop due to unaffordable fertiliser and seed. Kalro, a government research organization, is encouraging farmers to adopt early-maturing and drought-resistant seed varieties that suit their agro-ecological zones.