Marsabit County drought early warning bulletin for November 2017

Biophysical Indicators

Rainfall: Rainfall was received in most parts of the County in the month under review. Spatial and temporal distribution of the rains was good and fair respectively across the livelihood zones.

Vegetation condition: 3-month vegetation condition index for the month under review was 38.08 hence improvement from 32.29 portrayed in the month of October. 3-months VCI shifted from moderate vegetation deficit to normal vegetation greenness. Forage condition is generally good across the livelihood zones.

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production indicators: Livestock body condition improved and was fair –good for the Cattle and good for Camels/shoats across the livelihood zones. Precipitously milk production per household per day was noted as it improved to 2.1Litres which is within the normal range.
Livestock mortalities were reported in some parts of Laisamis subcounty prompted by disease incidences. No reported cases of livestock disease outbreak were witnessed across the County. Most of the planted maize are at tarsling stage while beans have formed pods.

Access indicators: Household and livestock trekking distances to water points declined across the livelihood zones. Terms of trade was favourable across the livelihood zones and milk consumption improved and was within the normal range.

Utilization indicators: Children rated ‘at risk’ of malnutrition slightly declined. Food consumption score and Coping Strategy Index improved across the livelihood zones.