Is this the worst drought ever?

Last week we reported a day of rain, which brought hope to the Maasai of Southern Kenya. But since that one day we have had no more rain. Some are saying this is the worst drought to hit our ranch since 1984. Elders of the pastoral communities have described it as the most dangerous of all, and the Government of Kenya has declared it a national disaster. Human beings, livestock and wildlife are malnourished and emaciated and some are dying of hunger. Scientist and other experts have expressed fears that the situation could get even worse if the rain fails between now and end of the year.

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The drought has caused a seriuos influx of herders from other ranches into our ranch, Mbirikani, and onwards through the wildlife migratory corridors to the nearby Chyulu and Tsavo national parks to compete with the wildlife for the little available grass. This contributes seriously to the depletion of the scarce resources and increases human-wildlife conflicts.  

Our Lion Guardians are having their activities doubled as they are now working around the clock to help the affected herders to look after the malnourished animals, and finding lost livestock which is wandering throughout the bush in search of water. Here Lion Guardian Olubi finds some lost goats, that might otherwise be attacked by carnivores, causing anger in the community.

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It is our sincere hope that killing of wildlife due to the anger of losing too much livestock will not occur.This is always common in situations like this, but given the on-going education from our Guardians on the importance of conserving lions, we are sure it will not happen.

6 Comments

  • Dana-Phoenix Arizona says:

    Antony – I will pray for rain for you and all the other areas of Kenya affected by the drought. I also pray that no predators will be killed during this hard time for the cattle and goats.

  • Thank you Dana! We have had 2 small showers, yesterday and today. We are all hoping for more.. Fingers crossed this is the start of the long rains….

  • Sonja says:

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed in hopes of rain, more than scattered showers, but real rain. I can imagine that this is probably the result of predicted droughts caused by global climate change? Ideally, what can be done about this? Would wells alleviate the problem (is ground water even accessible)?

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