Marsabit County drought early warning bulletin for August 2016

Biophysical Indicators

Rainfall report: No rainfall was received in the county which is normal for the month.

Vegetation condition; Pasture and browse condition is fair in agro pastoral livelihood and fair to poor in pastoral livelihood .

Socio Economic Indicators (Impact Indicators)

Production indicators; no crops is in the farms, farmers are ploughing their farms in readiness for next season. Livestock body condition is good in all the species for agro pastoral . In pastoral areas, livestock body condition is good to fair except for cattle which is poor in Balesa. 

Milk production has significantly reduced in both Pastoral and Agro Pastoral Livelihood.
Livestock Migration is on the rise with both in and out migration reported in the County. Most livestock have shifted to dry grazing areas. No livestock deaths as a result of drought.

Access indicators ; Terms of trade has slightly decreased due to decrease in goat prices.
Return distance to water sources has incre ased when compared to last month.
Milk consumption has significantly declined due to decreased production compared to last month. 

Utilization Indicators; nutritional status has slightly deteriorated with 19.1 % of children less than 5 years at risk of maln utritio n. Coping strategies index has increased compared to last month