An Analysis of Rainfall Characteristics in Machakos County, Kenya.

Abstract

Rain-fed agriculture accounts for about 60% of global and 90% for Sub-Saharan African (SSA) staple food production. Over 80% of the population in SSA depends on rain-fed agriculture as their livelihood source. Rainfall performance is therefore crucial in socio-economic development of the agri-based economies. This study sought to analyze rainfall characteristics in Machakos County, Kenya where the inhabitants are largely agriculturalists. Rainfall data was obtained from KARI Katumani and Mutisya Mango Farm rainfall stations and analyzed using various climatological statistics. Rainfall was of moderate distribution being concentrated in approximately 75% of the years/seasons. Normal and wet conditions dominated the climate with droughts occurring once in every 4 years. Drought frequency was higher during the long (March, April and May) and the short (October, November and December) rains occurring once in every 3 years, causing food insecurity in the County. Negative rainfall trend and higher rainfall variability in Mutisya Mango Farm stations made rainfall less dependable compared to KARI Katumani which had lower rainfall variations. It was therefore easy to use the rainfall mean to predict rainfall performance and to plan agricultural activities in KARI Katumani. Variation in rainfall amount during the wet and normal climatic conditions was identified as the key rainfall parameter influencing rain-fed agriculture activities in Machakos County.