Kenya and East Africa at Risk of Drought Amidst Reduced Rainfall and Climate Forecasts BODY: Nairobi, Kenya — The East African region is bracing for a potential drought crisis as a result of severe rainfall deficits in June and forecasts indicating below-average July-September rains.
The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) has reported that the situation is particularly dire in Kenya, Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. Harvests have begun in select regions of Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and parts of Ethiopia, but concerns are rising as pasture and surface water conditions have deteriorated in many areas. Rainfall deficits have intensified moisture stress across unimodal cropping zones in Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Sudan, and the Kiremt rainfall regions of Ethiopia.
Below — average agricultural production is increasingly likely in unimodal Kenya and Uganda, with reduced harvests also expected in parts of Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and agropastoral regions of northwestern Somalia.
The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has forecasted a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall across much of the northern Greater Horn of Africa during the June-September 2026 rainy season. This is a cause for concern as it could negatively impact food security, water availability, and livelihoods in the region.
The Kenyan government, along with international partners, is working on initiatives to mitigate the impact of the drought. These include enhancing water storage facilities, promoting drought-resistant crop varieties, and providing social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
As the region awaits the outcome of these efforts, the success of these initiatives will largely depend on adequate funding and the cooperation of all stakeholders involved. ImNews will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on the situation in the East African region.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Famine Early Warning System Network
