Cushioning your crops and livestock from devastation of floods

A farmer holds one of his dying sheep after floods hit Kalacha, North Horr, Marsabit in 2015. [File, Standard]

Often not, floods are inevitable natural occurrences that have been wreaking havoc.

For the past three weeks, various parts of the country have been hit by floods that have left a trail of death and destruction to crops.

Areas surrounding River Nyando, River Nzoia, River Tana and parts of Elgeyo Marakwet and West Pokot are the most affected. This has left people homeless, further compounded with being prone to contagious diseases.

According to the Kenya Metrological Department, the heavy rains are anticipated to prolong until end of May. The weatherman has put Western Kenya, Mt Kenya, North Eastern and Rift Valley on the spot.

Although it a natural occurrence, we can learn a few ways to mitigate floods risks on your farm.

Crops

Create run-off ponds and sediment traps. Runoff ponds collect, store and slow down rainwater temporarily. They will divert rainwater to desired areas hence protecting your crops from floods. Sediment traps protect eroded soil carried by run-off rainwater from causing soil pollution in your farm.

Avoid directing runoff towards roads and watercourses. This might lead to water pollution from farm chemicals, oil spillages from diesel, petrol and wearing of tyres and brakes systems left as residues which are later washed off by the rains to waterways.

Discharge roof water into swales or soakaways around the farm, to slow water down and recharge groundwater. Swale is a low or hollow place especially a marshy depression ridge that is used to managed runoff water, filter pollutants and increases rainwater infiltration.

Loosen the soil to leave a rough surface after harvesting to allow more water to soak in rather than running off. You can loosen the soil by adding decomposed organic material such as compost manure. Use machinery with low ground pressure tyres to reduce soil compaction.

Harvest crops when soils are wet in high-risk fields.

Livestock

Livestock farmers register great losses during floods. Identify fields at a higher ground where livestock can be moved to a safe place.

Purchase a stockpile of useful materials that can be used during a flood such as sandbags to prevent water entering barns or sheds, plywood to board up windows and pallets to raise stock and equipment above floodwater level.

Farm equipment

Identify stock, machinery and tools that can easily be moved off the farm to prevent loss and damage.

Identify any chemicals or fuels on the farm that could contaminate floodwater and move them to store them in safe places.