New Climate Guide Helps Kenyan Farmers Secure Better Crop Yields
Lodwar, 30 September 2026
Kenyan farmers are achieving higher crop yields by adopting a new climate-resilience guide, helping vulnerable communities transition from pastoralism to stable agriculture amidst extreme weather.
Empowering Marginalised Communities Through Targeted Research
The PALM-TREEs (Pan-African and Transdisciplinary Lens on the Margins: Tackling the Risks of Extreme Events) project has been conducting transdisciplinary research in Kitui, Turkana Central, and Turkana West counties since 2023 [1]. Funded by the UK Government and Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the initiative specifically examines how gender and other social inequalities shape vulnerability to extreme weather events in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid regions [1]. On Tuesday, 29 September 2026, stakeholders gathered at a dissemination forum in Lodwar to share key findings, culminating in the publication of the ‘Practical Guide for Farmers in the Margin’ [1]. This guide is designed to help both host and refugee communities navigate the severe climate realities of northern Kenya, particularly within Turkana County, which spans a vast area of 77,000 square kilometres [1].
Practical Strategies for the Transition to Agro-Pastoralism
The newly published guide provides actionable advice to help farmers mitigate the dual threats of severe drought and flash floods [1]. Key recommendations include utilising weather forecasts, matching specific crop varieties with expected rainfall patterns, protecting crops during their early growth stages, and constructing resilient farm infrastructure to prevent post-harvest losses [1]. According to the lead researcher, Professor Gilbert Ouma, strengthening weather forecasting and delivering timely information is critical to preparing communities for extreme droughts, floods, and heat situations [1]. The research took a highly localised approach, working directly with households that have borne the brunt of climate change to understand vulnerability from the perspective of the farmers themselves [1].
Strengthening Early Warning Systems and Future Integration
The impact of the PALM-TREEs project extends beyond individual farms to national policy and disaster preparedness. Nelson Mutanda, the Head of Data, Informatics, and Research at the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), stated that the research data has significantly improved the agency’s predictive capabilities regarding climate change extremes in arid regions, thereby strengthening the national drought early warning system [1]. This integration of scientific research with local policy ensures that early warnings are translated into proactive, on-the-ground action before disasters strike [1].