16/09/2026
Migori Develops Climate Advisories to Prepare for OND 2026 Rainfall Scenarios
MIGORI COUNTY: Migori County has developed practical, scenario-based climate advisories to help communities and key sectors prepare for possible above-normal and below-normal rainfall during the October–November–December (OND) 2026 season.
The advisories were developed during a two-day Participatory Scenario Planning (PSP) workshop at Miyare Agricultural Training Centre, bringing together Migori County, the Kenya Meteorological Department, FAO-Tunza, CREWS-EA and other stakeholders.
The exercise identified potential hazards, their likely impacts and appropriate anticipatory actions across Migori’s three weather zones.
Under a possible above-normal rainfall scenario, stakeholders identified flooding, flash floods, waterlogging, soil erosion, landslides, crop and livestock diseases, contaminated water and damage to roads and infrastructure as key hazards. The impacts could include crop and livestock losses, disruption of transport and learning, damage to property and increased waterborne diseases.
Communities are therefore advised to improve drainage, clear waterways, protect farms and livestock, conserve soil, strengthen disease surveillance, safeguard water sources and avoid flood-prone and unstable areas.
Under a possible below-normal rainfall scenario, the identified hazards include drought, water scarcity, soil moisture deficits, crop failure, livestock feed shortages, increased pest pressure and degradation of pasture and natural resources. These could lead to reduced agricultural production, livestock losses and increased pressure on water resources.
Farmers and communities are advised to harvest and conserve water, use drought-tolerant and short-duration crops, retain soil moisture through mulching and appropriate land management, prepare livestock feed and water in advance and diversify production.
The advisories cover a wide range of weather-sensitive sectors, including agriculture and livestock, health, environment, disaster management, roads and infrastructure, water and sanitation, education, fisheries and other vulnerable sectors.
The advisories were also tailored to Migori’s three weather zones: the Western Zone, covering Nyatike and parts of Suna West and Suna East; the Central Zone, covering Rongo, parts of Suna East, Uriri and Awendo; and the Eastern Zone, covering Kuria West, Kuria East and parts of Suna East.
The workshop further recognized the contribution of Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge to local weather forecasting. Mr. Abade noted that communities traditionally observe indicators such as bird and insect behaviour, wind patterns, cloud formations and changes in vegetation.
Of particular interest are flowering, fruiting and the emergence of new leaves on mango and other indigenous trees, which communities traditionally associate with seasonal changes and rainfall patterns.
The PSP approach seeks to complement such local observations with scientific meteorological forecasts and translate climate information into timely, locally relevant action.
The overall message from the workshop was clear: anticipate potential hazards, understand their impacts and take early action while continuously monitoring evolving weather information.
