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As global temperatures continue to rise, the agriculture sector faces an increasing threat from extreme weather conditions. In Kenya, farmers are struggling to produce viable harvests in the face of erratic rainfall and soaring heat.
Current Challenges
The Kenya News Agency has recently highlighted the increasing difficulties faced by farmers striving to navigate the climate crisis. Essential crops like maize, as well as livestock such as sheep, chickens, and cattle, are all impacted by the changing climate.
In Narok County, a region in the southwestern part of the nation, farmers have voiced their concerns about the unpredictable weather. Historically, this area experienced lengthy rainy spells lasting up to two weeks, which were vital for the crops’ development.
Nevertheless, the situation has deteriorated, with heightened temperatures affecting rainfall patterns significantly.
“Currently, we are facing a shortage of rain and our fields are exposed to relentless sunlight from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.,” stated local farmer Raphael Sankei in an interview with Kenya News Agency. “If we do not see rain by the end of this week, it will spell disaster for farmers in our community.”
The Importance of Weather Patterns
The droughts engulfing Kenya pose a significant threat to both crops and livestock, jeopardizing the food supply across the nation. As reported by Kenya News Agency, “Narok County is among the country’s top maize producers.”
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The extreme weather conditions facing Kenya are directly linked to the broader issue of rising temperatures worldwide. As nations continue to depend on fossil fuels and other pollutants, significant amounts of greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere, leading to global warming. This increase in temperature is associated with a rise in the frequency and intensity of severe weather patterns, posing risks to communities around the world.
Responses to Extreme Weather
In response to these unpredictable weather patterns, farmers globally have begun altering their crop selections. For instance, in Italy, some farmers have shifted to cultivating mangoes due to the warmer climate.
Moreover, researchers are devising innovative strategies to enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector against the backdrop of extreme weather phenomena.
Source
www.yahoo.com