DRESS-EA Team Engages Kitui Farmers on Drought Preparedness and Climate Resilience

A team participating in the Drought Resilience in East Africa (DRESS-EA) Blank Operation Simulation Exercise, led by DRESS-EA Kenya Coordinator Dr. Joyce Kaino, visited Ikanga/Kyatune Ward in Kitui South Sub-County to engage farmers on drought preparedness, early warning systems and climate resilience.
The delegation was received by Ward Administrator Joycastor Mumina, who highlighted community initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience to climate-related shocks.
During the engagement, Felix Kiprono and Mark Ochieng from the IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) demonstrated the HUSIKA application, which provides access to weather forecasts, flood alerts and other climate information to support informed decision-making.
Farmers shared experiences on accessing weather updates from the Kenya Meteorological Department and Kenya Red Cross Society, and discussed how early warning information supports agricultural planning, livestock management and drought preparedness.
The team also interacted with eight farmers benefiting from the Ikusya Irrigation Scheme, which features two 10,000-litre water tanks and a solar-powered pumping system supplying water through a pipeline network.
Additionally, the delegation engaged 11 members of the local Climate Change and Drought Management Committee, who support community preparedness and response during droughts and heavy rainfall.
The visit highlighted the importance of accessible climate information, sustainable water infrastructure and community participation in strengthening drought resilience.
The engagement forms part of the DRESS-EA initiative's efforts to enhance early warning systems, anticipatory action and coordinated drought risk management across East Africa.