Consumers of fresh produce in Nairobi and Mombasa have been warned to brace for tough times in light of the total-crop failure recorded in various areas, due to the ongoing drought. The most affected are farmers from Ihindu and Maella in Naivasha, which for years have been the main suppliers of vegetables and potatoes for the two cities.
More than 10,000 families in Naivasha are already in dire need of food as the harsh weather condition continues to wreak havoc across the country. In Ihindu, from where farmers usually ship many tons of fresh vegetables to Nairobi every day, there are reports of students skipping school to go search for food.
According to Chege Ngugi, getting food for the families was becoming harder by the day due to an acute shortage of water for farming. Ngugi, who is also the chairman of the local branch of farmers, said that production of fresh produce had fallen sharply due to the drought. “[The] majority of fresh produce consumed in Nairobi and Mombasa comes from this area and with the drought, consumers should be ready for a major shortage.”
Naivasha sub-county commissioner Mutua Kisilu said that the most affected were Ndabibi, Longonot, Mai Mahiu, Kongoni, Mirera, and Moi Ndabi areas. He said that total crop failure had been reported in the agriculturally rich areas of Maella, Ndabibi, and Ihindu, pointing to a major food crisis.
Source: kbc.co.ke