Rain, Seeds Bring Harvest to Drought-Stricken Kenyan Farmers

Written by Stephanie Kriner, Staff Writer, RedCross.org

A farmer poses alongside his growing crops.

April 16, 2001 —  The food aid came at a crucial time, but it would only delay the inevitable. After four straight failed harvests, the Kamba people in Kenya's Machakos District had nothing to eat and nothing left to plant. Out of desperation, some planted the corn that was part of their emergency rations from the U.N. World Food Program. Not intended for planting, these kernels were their only hope; after the food aid stopped coming, they would have no way to feed their families.

The donated food from the U.N. World Food Program prevented massive starvation, but the future would have remained bleak if the Kamba people had not found a way to grow crops again. Without seeds or fertilizer, they would have watched in vain as the first rains in four years moistened empty fields. Fortunately, with the help of the American Red Cross, a drastically different scenario unfolded.

Food Shortages

Although parts of Kenya have recovered from the drought, a food shortage has reemerged throughout sub-Saharan Africa.  more...

An American Red Cross delivery of seeds and fertilizers in early November, just before the rainy season began, came at a crucial time for 25,000 Machakos farmers and their families. In some places, Red Cross seeds arrived just as the first long-awaited raindrops fell. It was the first time many people had seen rain in two years. Eager to take advantage of the moist ground, beneficiaries clutched their seeds and rushed to their fields to begin planting right away. "The food aid had given people the strength to prepare their farms," said American Red Cross delegate Dan Holmberg.

A Red Cross worker measures the progress of sorghum.

Four months later, the Kamba people have their first harvest in more than three years. With assistance from the Red Cross, and a normal rainy season, Machakos' farmers have recovered. "We met the rains at the right time, and the harvest was very good," said Frederick Opuni-Mensah, who manages food programs throughout East Africa for the American Red Cross.

Worst Drought in Decades Comes to an End in Machakos

The drought in Kenya was the worst in 37 years. Throughout the country, between 2 and 3 million people were at risk of starvation after 20 million cattle died and 70 percent or more of their crops were lost. In some parts of Kenya, the drought continues, and millions of farmers remain at risk.

But lack of rain only exacerbated the conditions that led to the food crisis. Machakos is a semi-arid region with sandy soil. There are only a few parcels of fertile, black soil scattered among stretches of sand.

The Kamba people have adapted to their environment by combining agricultural and pastoral skills to make the best use of the land. While growing crops on the few small plots of fertile soil, they also raise cows. In the face of four consecutive failed planting seasons, they were forced to rely on the livestock to survive. But when their cattle began to die, the Kamba people needed outside help.

A scare crow protects crops grown with American Red Cross-donated maize seed.

The American Red Cross selected special drought-resistant seeds, which can yield crops with even a minimum amount of rain. "These particular seeds will do well in drought or during a good rainy season," Opuni-Mensah said.

The Red Cross donated phosphate fertilizer, which promotes root growth and reduces the time it takes for plants to mature. Red Cross workers also trained farmers how to use the fertilizers and plant the seeds to ensure a successful harvest.

"The current crop will produce seeds, which in turn can be used to provide crops for two more planting seasons," Holmberg said. "This harvest will get these people back on their feet and on the road to self sufficiency."

Related Links:

• American Red Cross Feeding Programs
• American Red Cross Programs in Kenya
• IFRC Sudan Appeal