Farmers in Embu County are stepping up climate-smart farming practices, as they prepare for the October–December rainfall season amid forecasts of increased rainfall across parts of the country.
In Manyatta Constituency, some coffee and macadamia farmers WHOSE crops are at the yielding and harvesting stages are digging trenches, applying mulch and undertaking other crop-management practices in an effort to protect their plantations and minimize potential production losses associated with excessive rainfall.
The farmers say the measures will help improve drainage, prevent soil erosion, conserve soil moisture and protect their crops as they prepare for the anticipated rains.
Farmer Stephen Kariuki has urged other farmers to take precautions early to minimize potential losses.
Another farmer, Peter Gitonga, has called on the government to prepare adequate disaster-response funds to support farmers who may be affected by the rains.
Agricultural experts say the impact of excessive rainfall on production will depend on factors including rainfall intensity, drainage conditions and the stage of crop development.