Farmers raise red flag over poor harvests

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By Dedan Okanga

Maize farmers have expressed fear this year’s harvests would be low due to unreliable rainfall.

The farmers in the North Rift said the region has not received enough rainfall.

Mr Kipkorir Menjo, a farmer, said: "Everybody expected the rains this month, but that did not happen." But agriculture officials have blamed destruction of forests for the poor rainfall.

"People are destroying catchment areas for charcoal burning and timber," said Ms Edna Cheptoo, an agricultural extension officer.

The looming food shortage has been blamed on post-election violence, which made it impossible for farming in the North Rift. Some farmers are still in IDP camps.

The farmers also cited Government delay in supplying fertiliser as a reason for poor harvests.

Mr Joel Rop said: "Subsidised fertiliser reached many farmers after they had planted."

Agriculture Minister William Ruto recently announced plans to set up stores in rural areas to allow acce