Marsabit County drought early warning bulletin for February 2017

Biophysical Indicators

Rainfall report: off season rains were reported in various parts of the County.

11.2 mm was recorded at Marsabit Station.

Vegetation condition; Pasture and browse condition is poor in all livelihood zones as confirmed by VCI which shows extreme vegetation deficit for County.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production indicators; there was total crop failure in agro pastoral livelihood zone. Livestock body condition is fair to poor in agro pastoral livelihood zone and poor in pastoral livelihood for all the species except camels which have fair body condition across the County.

Livestock Migration patterns is not normal. In and out migration was reported in the County. Livestock deaths as a result of drought have been reported.
More than 95% of households have nil milk production which is a significant decline in production and not normal for this time.

Access indicators; Cost of water (20 litres) is within normal ranges of Ksh 0-5. Milk consumption has significantly decreased due to decreased production.
Terms of trade has significantly reduced due to decrease in goat prices.
Return distance to water sources for human is above the normal ranges.

Utilization Indicators; children less than 5 years at risk of malnutrition was 19%. Coping strategies index has slightly increased when compared to last month and remains above the normal ranges.