Proper risk management will save farmers from crippling El Nino losses

The August 26 El Niño warning by the Kenya Meteorological Service took me back to my years in farming between 2015 and 2023, when I witnessed how extreme weather could wipe out months of hard work. During prolonged heat, farmers desperately searched for ways to save their crops. At an agrovet in Kitengela, where I farmed French beans, new chemicals were marketed as solutions that could improve moisture retention and protect crops from scorching temperatures. Like many farmers, I hoped they would make a difference. The latest forecast warns of above-average rainfall between late September and December, with an increased risk of flooding and landslides across many parts of Kenya. That means agriculture once again faces serious threats from unpredictable weather. The question is no longer whether climate change will continue disrupting food production. It is whether Kenya is prepared to respond. Climate change is steadily eroding soil fertility, reducing yields and making farming more expensive. Flooded roads also disrupt the transport of fresh produce, delaying deliveries and lowering the quality and value of crops before they reach markets. I experienced this firsthand. French bean yields on my farm fell from an average of six to seven tonnes per acre to about four tonnes over the years. Heavy rains sometimes made roads impassable, preventing produce from reaching buyers on time. The result was lower prices and painful financial losses. The stakes are high. Agriculture contributes about 20 percent of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product and employs more than 40 percent of the population, according to the Central Bank of Kenya. Any disruption to food production affects livelihoods, inflation and national food security. Preparing for climate risks must become a priority across the food chain. The National Climate Change Action Plan III (2023–2027) outlines practical measures that should be implemented more aggressively. They include water harvesting, improved drainage systems, integrating trees into farming to reduce soil erosion, and using technology such as weather forecasting tools and drones to help farmers make timely planting decisions. Promoting flood-tolerant crops, including cassava and sweet potatoes, can also improve resilience. Some people view floods and droughts as unavoidable acts of nature. But that should never justify inaction. While we cannot stop extreme weather, we can reduce its impact through better planning, infrastructure and climate-smart farming practices. Climate change is already increasing the cost of producing and buying food. Every delayed response leaves farmers more vulnerable, food prices more volatile and the country's food security more fragile. Preparedness is no longer optional. Acting before disaster strikes is the surest way to protect farmers, consumers and future generations.