The Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) for Sabatia Sub-County, Festus Munyao, has raised concern over continued losses among smallholder farmers due to underutilisation and misinterpretation of climate information.
Speaking to KNA in his office, the DCC said many farmers incur heavy losses after relying on rainfall projections without fully understanding how forecasts are issued and interpreted. He noted that unpredictable weather patterns linked to climate change have made farming increasingly risky.
“Many farmers really incur losses when they prepare their land and plant based on projected rainfall that sometimes does not turn out to be true,” said the DCC. “In some cases, crops fail to germinate because the expected rains delay or are insufficient.”
The administrator further observed that a section of farmers does not use weather forecasts at all, while others fail to access the right information at the right time.
“Some farmers do not follow the official forecasts, while others do not receive accurate and timely updates. This makes them vulnerable to losses caused by sudden dry spells or unexpected heavy rains,” he added.
The Vihiga County Director Meteorological Department, Frederick Etemesi, clarified that seasonal forecasts provide probabilities and not exact dates or guarantees of rainfall.
“A seasonal forecast indicates the likelihood of above-normal, near-normal, or below-normal rainfall within a given period. It does not mean it will rain every day or start on a specific date,” said the director. “Farmers need to understand that forecasts guide planning decisions but should be combined with short-term daily and weekly updates.”
He explained that rainfall distribution is just as important as total rainfall amounts.
“Even when we predict near-normal rainfall, poor distribution—such as long dry spells in between—can still affect crops. That is why farmers are advised to stagger planting and adopt climate-smart practices,” he noted.
The director encouraged farmers to rely on verified information issued through official county meteorological offices, community radio stations, and extension officers.
The DCC emphasised the need for strengthened collaboration between government agencies and local leaders to ensure climate advisories are localised, simplified, and disseminated through accessible channels such as community radio, SMS platforms, and public barazas.
Farmers have also been encouraged to adopt climate-smart practices, including the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties, water harvesting, crop diversification, and staggered planting to cushion against weather uncertainties.
Smallholder farming remains the backbone of Vihiga’s economy, with over 70 percent of households depending on agriculture for food security and income. Authorities say improved access to reliable and well-interpreted climate information will enhance farmers’ resilience and boost productivity amid changing weather patterns.
By Rose Wasike
