THARAKA NITHI COUNTY (THARAKA)

2019 SHORT RAINS FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY ASSESSMENT REPORT

A Joint Report by the Kenya Food Security Steering Group (KFSSG) and

Tharaka Nithi (Tharaka) County Steering Group (CSG)

February, 2020

i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Short rains assessment was conducted between 3rd and 21st February, 2020 led by a multi-

agency team comprising of NDMA, Plan International and Tharaka North and South sub-

counties steering group. A multi-sectoral approach was adopted during the assessment covering

livestock, agriculture health and nutrition, water and sanitation and education. The assessment

aimed at establishing an objective, evidence based and transparent food security situation.

Rainfall performance was above normal during the season with impacted positively on the rain-

fed crop production, however the late cessation resulted in poor drying of green grams, millet

and sorghum thus reducing the quality and market value. The area under maize was 89 percent of

the long-term average. The area under green grams, pearl millet and sorghum increased

significantly by 33, 49 and 69 percent compared to the LTA. The expected maize production is

88 percent of the LTA due to reduced acreage while green grams, pearl millet and sorghum

production is expected to increase by 33, 49 and 69 above the LTA respectively. In total, about

8,000 ha of farm land was destroyed by locusts and there was notable reduction in sorghum and

millet, which resulted in reduced production. The total maize stock held by both the household

and the traders was 48 percent of the LTA. Household stock was about 50 percent of the LTA.

The rains impacted positively on forage and water availability improving livestock productivity

however milk production was below the LTA resulting in low milk consumption.

Market operations were normal across the livelihood zones and the average price of maize in

February 2020 increased to Ksh. 40 compared to Ksh. 39 per kg in January 2020. The Terms of

Trade increased from 91 in January 2020 to 108 in February 2020 due to an increase in goat

price against slight increase in maize prices. The water recharge level both for the surface and

underground sources were more than 100 percent of the normal recharge of between 80 to 100

percent.

The proportion of households with acceptable Food Consumption Score increased from 65

percent in December 2019 to above 90 in January and February 2020. The rCSI for January 2020

indicated that 48.3 percent of households were not employing food coping strategies and this

proportion (not employing food coping strategies) increased to above 90 percent in January and

February 2020. Majority of households (above 90 percent) we’re not using any livelihood coping

strategies from December 2019 to February 2020.

Based on the food security outcomes, Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-counties are

classified in the Minimal Phase (IPC Phase 1) food insecurity phase classification.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................................... i

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1

1.1 County Background .........................................................................................................1

1.2 Methodology and Approach ............................................................................................1

2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY .....................2

2.1 Rainfall Performance .......................................................................................................2

2.2 Insecurity and Conflict ....................................................................................................2

2.3 Other Shocks and Hazards ..............................................................................................2

3.0 IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION

SECURITY…………………………...3

3.1 Availability .......................................................................................................................3

3.1.1 Crops Production ......................................................................................................3

3.1.2 Cereals Stock .............................................................................................................4

3.1.3 Livestock Production .................................................................................................5

3.2 Access ...............................................................................................................................8

3.2.1 Markets-Prices-Functioning .....................................................................................8

3.2.2 Terms of Trade ........................................................................................................ 10

3.2.5 Food Consumption .................................................................................................. 14

3.3 Utilisation ....................................................................................................................... 15

3.3.1Morbidity and Mortality Patterns ........................................................................... 15

3.3.2 Nutritional Status and Dietary Diversity ................................................................ 17

3.3.2 Sanitation and Hygiene ........................................................................................... 17

3.4 Trends Of Key Food Security Indicators ...................................................................... 18

3.5 Education ....................................................................................................................... 19

3.5.2 Participation ............................................................................................................ 19

3.5.3 Retention .................................................................................................................. 19

3.5.4 School Meals Programme ....................................................................................... 20

3.5.5 Inter Sectoral links where available ....................................................................... 20

4.0 FOOD SECURITY PROGNOSIS .................................................................................... 20

4.1 Prognosis Assumptions...................................................................................................... 20

5.0 CONCLUSION AND INTERVENTIONS…………………………………………

………….. .. 21

5.1.1 Phase Classification ................................................................................................. 21

5.1.2 Summary of Findings .............................................................................................. 21

ii

5.2 Ongoing Interventions ................................................................................................... 22

5.2.1 Food interventions ................................................................................................... 22

5.2.2 Non-food interventions ............................................................................................ 22

1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 County Background

Tharaka-Nithi County is located in Eastern Kenya and borders Embu County to the South West,

Meru County to the North East, Kirinyaga

and Nyeri counties to the West and Kitui

County to the South East. For the purpose

of this assessment, the coverage includes

Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-

counties which are semi-arid and cover an

estimated area of 1,569 square Kilometres

(Km2). The two sub counties are divided

in to five wards and 38 locations with a

total population 133,595 people (KNBS

Census, 2019).

There are three main livelihood zones

namely; Marginal Mixed Farming, Mixed

Farming and Rain-fed Cropping as shown

in Figure 1.

The main occupation of the people in the

three livelihood zones is agriculture, which include crop and livestock production. Majority of

the residents are small scale farmers with an average of 2.9 hectares mostly used for food and

cash crop farming. Livestock keeping, especially the indigenous breeds is the main sources of

livelihood for the residents in Marginal Mixed Farming while the population in Rain Fed

Cropping rely almost entirely on crop production. Other economic activities include formal

employment, casual labour, gemstones, sand harvesting and stone quarry.

1.2 Methodology and Approach

Both quantitative and qualitative methods were used in this assessment. The Secondary data was

obtained from National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) early warning bulletin, data

provided in the assessment Kit which included District Health Information System (DHIS) data,

market prices, -Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) trends and maps and previous

assessment reports. Primary data was obtained from checklist administration; key informant

interviews, focus group discussions as well as observation through transect drives. Initial County

Steering Group (CSG) meeting was conducted on 17th February, 2020 where the preliminary

county report was shared by the technical sector working group.

Discussions were held and thereafter field visit teams were constituted with representatives from

the various sectors and partners involved in different activities. Sample sites, transect drive

routes and interview sites were also selected depending on various criteria such as areas infested

by locusts, conflicts areas, farming areas, livelihood zones, markets, hospitals, schools, areas of

water stress, livestock concentrations among others. During the transect drives interviews were

conducted in Kamaguna, Kathangacini, Makutano, Kamarandi, Kanyuru and Kathwana. The

assessment was conducted between 3rd and 21st of February, 2020. The CSG technical members

analyzed both quantitative and qualitative data collected from all sectors and produced a County

report that was disseminated to CSG during debriefing meeting. Further analysis was conducted

Figure 1 : Proportion of population by Livelihood

Zones

2

using the Integrated food security Phase Classification (IPC). The assessment covered only the

semi-arid part of Tharaka Nithi County that is Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-counties.

2.0 DRIVERS OF FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY IN THE COUNTY

2.1 Rainfall Performance

The county experiences bi-modal rainfall

pattern. The short rains are most reliable

contributing more to crop and livestock

production.

The actual onset of the short rains was

experienced on the first dekad of October.

The rains continued until cessation in the first

dekad of February, 2020.

The highest amount of rainfall received was

380 mm of rainfall in the month of November

which was above the normal range.

The distribution of the short rains in time and

space was even. Generally, the rainfall was

201-350 percent of normal range in all parts

of the county as shown in Figure 2.

2.2 Insecurity and Conflict There were looming cases of conflict of over

illegal obstruction of water from river Thananthu, Thangatha and Thingitho during the first week

of October which resulted in drying of rivers downstream. This led to tension in the areas

affected but the situation was managed through sensitization meetings at critical points on proper

resource use.

2.3 Other Shocks and Hazards

Swarms of locusts invaded Maragwa location in Kamaguna and parts of Kamwathu Sub-location

and Kathanga chini location in Kathanga chini and Thwathanju sub location. Phase 1 of the

swarms invaded the county on 31st of January 2020 while phase 2 invasion was notice on 6th

February 2020. Over 10 villages of Kamaguna sub-location invaded by locusts were: Kirimhbu,

Mubura, Kithamadhu, Kithambara, Kagunda, Nthima, Kamakumbute, Kionde, Kiaranthe,

Kaibugi and Kamunge.

The proportion of pasture and browse which were affected in the above areas is approximately

five for pasture and 10 percent for browse (shrubs and bushes).

During the locust infestation, most crops were at the harvest stage. The crops which were

affected most crops were green grams, sorghum and millet. The damage was more severe on

sorghum and millet compared to green grams. The production loss for green grams is expected to

be five percent and 10-20 percent for sorghum and millet. In total, about 8,000 ha of farm land

was been destroyed by the swarming locusts.

The enhance rainfall and late cessation on the fourth week of January led to poor drying of green

grams, millet and sorghum resulting in poor quality and resulting in low market prices.

Figure 2 : Rainfall Performance as percentage of Normal

3

There were also suspected cases of Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in Marginal

Mixed farming zone in Kathangachini.

3.0 IMPACTS OF DRIVERS ON FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY

3.1 Availability

Agriculture is the main source of food availability in Tharaka, and a primary source of food and

income for most households. An estimated 80 percent of the population is engaged in

agricultural activities, which include crop and livestock production. Fish rearing is a source of

food especially for the population living along River Tana. Food availability is also influenced

by food import from other Counties which supplements shortages within the county and

stabilizing market supplies.

3.1.1 Crops Production

Crop production is the main economic activity in the Mixed Farming and Rain-Fed Cropping

livelihood zones contributing to 50 percent of household income. In Marginal Mixed Farming

livelihood zone, crop production contributes to 25 percent of household income. The main crops

grown are millet, green grams, cowpeas, pigeon peas, sorghum and maize. Maize, cowpeas and

pigeon peas are mostly produced for food while green grams and sorghum (Gadam variety) are

produced for cash income. Maize is mostly grown in the Rain Fed and Mixed Farming zones and

contributes to 40 percent of household food in the two livelihood zones. Millet, which usually

contributed 50 percent to food in Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zone is increasingly being

cultivated for cash income due to high demand by traders from outside the county and the

favourable market prices. Green grams crop is largely produced for sale and contribute only nine

percent to households’ food needs. More than 60 percent of potential land for Rain-fed

agriculture has been exploited whereas less than 10 percent of the irrigable land is under

irrigation. Short rains season is usually the most reliable and contributes to approximately 64

percent of the annual food production while the remaining 36 percent is from the long rains.

Rain-Fed Crop Production

The area under maize was 89 percent of the long term average while green grams, pearl millet

and sorghum increased significantly by 33, 49 and 69 percent respectively, compared to the

LTA. Farmers preferred to increase the acreage under green grams, pearl millet and sorghum

compared to maize in anticipation of ready market and better prices from private firms. The

county government through the subsidy programme issued the farming community with

subsidized seeds, fertilizers and chemicals and this boosted production significantly.

The expected maize production is 88 percent of the LTA due to reduced acreage under

production while green grams, pearl millet and sorghum production is expected to increase by

33, 49 and 69 above the LTA respectively as a result of increased acreage under the crops and

better management practice. Locust invasion caused more destruction on sorghum and millet

compared to green grams. The expected loss is about five percent for green grams and 10-20

percent for sorghum and millet. In total, about 8,000 ha of farm land was been affected by the

locusts. Harvesting of the crops also coincided with the heavy rainfall which resulted in poor

drying of green grams, millet and sorghum thus reducing the quality and market value. There is a

high chance of mycotoxins contamination especially for produce that will be imp properly dried.

4

Table 1 : Rain-Fed Crop Production

Crop Area planted

during 2019

Short rains

season (Ha)

Long Term

Average (5 year)

area planted

during the Short

rains season (Ha)

2019 Short rains

season

production (90 kg

bags)

Projected/Actual

Long Term

Average (5

year)production

during the Short

rains season (90 kg

bags)

Maize 2,620 6,527 35,450 40,027

Green

grams

15,930

14,140

93,050

69,796

.P. millet 16,395 10,812

216,690 145,525

Sorghum 11,380 10,597

193,700 114,501

Irrigated Crop

The main crops grown include Banana, Papaya and maize. Maize is mainly grown as an

intercrop. Other crops are Asian vegetables, tomatoes and sweet potatoes. The area under

bananas and Papaya was 98 and 91 percent of the LTA respectively while maize was 18 percent

above the LTA, The demand for maize and green maize has increased over the years. The in area

under banana and papaya reduced due to lower than normal river flow in the period before the

onset of the rains. Farmers were also opening more land for production of Asian vegetables,

tomatoes and sweet potatoes due to increasing demand. The production of banana was within the

LTA while papaya and maize increased by 35 and 23 percent above the LTA respectively due to

good rainfall performance and increased acreage under maize production. More farmers are

using pump fed irrigation. There is minimal irrigation taking place in Tharaka North sub-

county.as shown in Table 2.

Table 2 : Irrigated Crop

Crop Area planted

during the

2019Long rains

season

(ha)

Long Term

Average (3

years)

area planted

during Long

rains season

(ha)

2019 Long rains

season

production

(90 kg bags

Projected/actual

Long Term

Average

(3 years)

production

during 2019

Long rains

season

(90 kg bags/)

1.Banana 410 420 6,750 7,026

2.Papaya 285 310 606 450

3.Maize 260 220 3,075 2,488

3.1.2 Cereals Stock

The total maize stock held by both the household and the traders was 48 percent of the LTA.

Household stock was about 50 percent of the LTA which was attributed to reduced production.

5

Maize stock with traders was 33 percent of LTA due to low market demand. Sorghum and green

gram household stocks significantly increased by 47 and 59 percent respectively above the LTA.

This was attributed to increased acreage under the crops as a result of ready market. The maize

stock in the region is expected to last for less than two months while stock with traders is

anticipated to increase as household stocks diminish in 2-3 months

Table 3: Cereal Stocks

Current LTA Current LTA Current LTA

Maize 9,450 19,000 600 1,800 10,050 20,800

Sorghum 56,000 38,000 12,000 3,000 68,000 41,000

Green

Grams

74,000 46,500 12,000 10,000 86,000 56,500

3.1.3 Livestock Production

Livestock keeping is among the main sources of livelihood for Tharaka residents,

especially the indigenous breeds. The main livestock species kept in the region are cattle,

sheep, goats, chicken and donkeys. The contribution of livestock to cash income and food

is as shown in Table 4.

Table 4 : Livestock Average Percentage Contribution of Cash Income

Livelihood zone Livestock average %

contribution to cash income

Livestock average %

contribution to food

Marginal Mixed Farming 70 30

Rain Fed zone 50 50

Mixed Farming 30 70

Pasture and browse situation

The pasture and browse situation across all zones in the county was very good compared to the

normally good condition. This was attributed to the enhanced rainfall performance that supported

pasture and browse rejuvenation and establishment. Pasture and browse is expected to last longer

across the livelihood zones compared to normal as shown in Table 5. However, desert locust

infestation in Maragwa and Kathangachini locations remains a threat to pastures and browse

availability.

Table 5 : Pasture and Browse condition

Pasture Browse

Livelihood

zone

Condition How long to last

(Months)

Factors

Limiting

access

Condition How long to last

(Months)

Factors

Limiting

access

Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

6

Livestock Productivity

Livestock body condition

The livestock body condition of all species in all the livelihood zones is good in the Rain Fed and

Mixed farming zones which is normal at this time of the year. In the Marginal zone, the cattle

body condition was very good compared to good normally, excellent for goats and good for

sheep as shown in Table 6. This is attributed to the good rainfall performance which had a

positive impact on pasture, browse and water availability. The livestock body condition is

expected to remain stable in the next 3-4 months.

Table 6 : Livestock Body Condition

Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs)

Tropical livestock unit increased slightly in the Marginal Mixed Farming Zone for Poor Income

households while it reduced for Medium income households compared to normal. In the Mixed

Farming and Rain Fed Zones TLUs reduced for both Poor income and Medium income

households as shown in Table 7. The reduction is attributed to farmers opening up new land for

crop production including the grazing lands that has resulted to up to 5percenetreduction in

TLUs.

Table 7 : Tropical Livestock Units (TLUs) by Household Income Groups

Marginal

Mixed

Farming

Zone

Very

good

Good 3 2 None Very

good

Good 3 2.5 None

Rain Fed

Zone

Very

good

Good 4 3 None Very

good

Good 4 3 None

Mixed

Farming

Zone

Very

good

Good 4 3 None Very

good

Good 4 3 None

Livelihood

zone

Cattle Sheep Goat

Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

Marginal Mixed

Farming Zone

Very

good

Good Good Good Excellent-

good

Excellent

Rain Fed Zone Good Good Good Good Good Good

Mixed Farming

Zone

Good Good Good Good Good Good

Livelihood

zone

Poor income households Medium income households

Current Normal Current Normal

7

Birth rate

There was an increased in off season birth rates as a result of improved livestock conditions

favoured by improved feeding and watering. The abortion rates also reduced compared to the

normal at this time of the year.

Milk production and consumption

Milk production was below the LTA due to reducing number of household stocks as indicated by

TLUs. Consumption remained below the LTA since majority of households sell milk. The prices

were within the LTA though the milk vendors from outside the sub-county in the Rain Fed and

Mixed Farming zones charge 10 percent more for one litre of milk as shown in Table 8.

Table 8 : Milk production, Consumption and Prices

Migration

There were no reported cases of livestock migration (either in or out) which is a normal situation

at this time of the year

Marginal

Mixed

Farming

Zone

>1 1 1 8

Rain Fed

Zone 1 2 3 4

Mixed

Farming

Zone

0 1 1 2

Livelihood

zone

Milk Production

(Litres per

Household)

Milk

consumption

(Litres per

Household)

Prices (Ksh per Litre)

Curre

nt

LTA Current LTA Current LTA

Marginal

Mixed

Farming

Zone

0.5 1 0.5 1.5 60 40

Rain Fed

Zone

1 2 1 2 60 farm gate &

70 for vendors

50 farm gate &

60 for vendors

Mixed

Farming

Zone

2 3 1 2 60 50

8

Mortalities

A lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) disease outbreak was reported within the in Mukothima, Marimanti

and Chiakariga wards. The veterinary department was on high alert on severance as well as

carrying out ring vaccination in the affected areas. A few cases of Contagious Caprine

Pleuropneumonia (CPP) in goats were reported in Kathangachini location. Mortality rate was

within normal as shown in Table 8

Table 9: Livestock Mortality

Water for livestock

The current water sources for livestock are; permanent rivers, seasonal rivers water reservoir

points, water pans, boreholes, piped and furrow water which is a normal situation at this time of

the year. The trekking distance and expected duration for livestock water to last is within the

normal range across the livelihood zones. Watering frequency was daily across the livelihood

zone which is the normal situation.

Table 10 : Water for Livestock

Livelihood zone Return trekking

distances (Kms)

Expected duration

to last (Months)

Watering frequency

Current Normal Current Current Normal Current

Marginal Mixed

Farming Zone

5 – 6 6 2 – 12 1.5 - 12 7 7

Rain Fed Zone 1.5 – 2 2 3 – 12 2 – 12 7 7

Mixed Farming Zone 1 1 3-12 2-12 7 7

3.2 Access

3.2.1 Markets-Prices-Functioning

Market operations

Market operations were normal across the livelihood zones. The main markets for both livestock

and food commodities are Katangachini, Marimanti, Tunyai, Gatunga and Chiakariga. The main

sources for livestock traded were from local supply while that for food commodities were both

local and external from neighboring counties such as Meru, Embu and other Counties such as

Trans Nzoia and Busia.

Livelihood zone

Cattle Sheep Goat

Current Normal Current Normal Current Normal

Marginal Mixed

Farming Zone

1 1 1 1 2 2

Rain Fed Zone 1 1 1 1 2 2

Mixed Farming

Zone

1 1 1 1 2 2

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Figure 4 : Average Market Price of a Goat

Supply from external market decreased compared to that of the previous season due to increased

household stocks from on-going harvest. The average cattle price increased from Kshs. 20,208 in

December to Kshs. 21,817 in the month of January due to good cattle body condition which led

to increase in cattle price. The average price cattle were Kshs 21,750, 20,917 and 20,691 in the

Rain Fed, Mixed Farming and Marginal Mixed Farming Zones respectively. The prices were 14

percent higher than the three-year average of Kshs 19,102. The market supplies and traded

volumes for livestock were lower compared to that of the previous season because farmers held

on to their stocks due to availability of pasture and browse. Most farmers preferred to sell cash

crops such as green grams and sorghum for income. Other commodities such as millet, pigeon

peas and green grams also were available and the prices were on the decline as harvesting

progressed. Livestock prices are likely to increase while that for commodity prices may reduce in

the next 3 months due to improvement in body condition.

Market Prices

Maize price

The average maize price from October to

December was higher than the long-term

average of the same period. The high maize

price was attributed to poor performance of the

2019 long rain which led to poor harvests. The

trend shows a gradual increase in the month of

November and stability in average price of Kshs.

48 in December and a slight reduction to Kshs

40 in February 2020. In markets such as

Kathwana the price was as low as Ksh 35.

Maize price was Kshs 50 per Kg in in Rain Fed

Livelihood Zone, Kshs 43.5 per Kg in the

Marginal Mixed Farming Livelihood Zone and

Kshs 42 per Kg in the Mixed Farming Zone. Maize price is expected to drop due to onset of

harvest in parts of the Rain fed and Mixed Farming Zone. The average maize price was 13

percent higher than the three-year average price of Kshs 35 per Kg in February as shown in

Figure 3.

Goat price

The average goat price was on an upward trend from October to December. The prices were

lower than the long-term average in

October and November but it increased

above than the long-term average in

January 2020 and February 2020 as shown

in Figure 4.

The increase in trend of goats’ price from

October to February was attributed to

onset of the short rain in the second week

of October that led to improved

availability of browse. In the February

2020 the Rain Fed Cropping Zone had the

Figure 3: Average Maize Market Price

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Pri

ce (

Ksh

. / k

g)

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Pri

ce (

Ksh

.)

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

10

highest price of Ksh. 4,450; Marginal Mixed Farming Zone recorded the price of Kshs 4,050

while the Mixed Farming Zone recorded the lowest price of Ksh. 3,450.

The average goat price was 29 percent higher than the three-year average of Ksh 3,342. The

goats’ price is expected to continue improving in the next 3 months due to sustained good body

condition of goats across the livelihood zones.

3.2.2 Terms of Trade

The Terms of Trade (ToT) was lowest in October 2019 at 59 due to low goat price compared to

that of a kg of maize but the trend continued to improve to February 2020. The ToT for the

period under review was lower than of the

previous year of 2019 of the same period

and also of that of the long-term average.

The high ToT was attributed to high goat

price after improvements from a severe

drought which ended in October 2019 and

the high maize price. The Terms of Trade

increased from 91 in January to 108 in

February 2020 due to an increase in goat

price against slight increase in maize

price. The highest ratio was recorded in

the Marginal Mixed Farming at 93.10;

followed by Rain Fed Cropping Zone at

89 while Mixed Farming Zone had the

least term of trade ratio of 82.14. The term

of trade for the period under review was

within the three-year average value of 108 during the same period as shown by figure 5. The ToT

is expected to improve with an improvement in goats’ price and a drop in maize price in the next

3 months.

3.2.3 Water Access and Availability

Major water sources

The major sources of water for livestock

and domestic use in Tharaka Nithi County

for the month of February were: rivers,

boreholes, shallow wells and traditional

river wells as shown in Figure 6 and Table

10. Other sources of water include: piped

water system, pans and dams among others.

Piped water system was mainly used in

trading centres such as Marimanti, Gatunga,

Nkondi, Tunyai, Chakariga and Kibunga.

The state of water sources for the month of

February 2020 was above normal and the

trend was stable as in the previous months.

The water recharge level both for the surface and underground sources were more than 100% of

Figure 6 : Main Water Sources

Figure 5 : Trend of term of Trade

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Kilo

gram

s o

f m

aiz

e

exch

an

ged

fo

r a

go

at

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

11

the usual recharge of between 80 to 100 percent. Contamination of water source in rivers, piped

water system, pans and dams was the main challenge across the livelihood zone.

Table 11 : Status of Major Water Sources

Ward/

Liveliho

od zone

Water

Source

(Three

(3)

major

sources)

No. of

Normal

Operatio

nal

No. of

Current

Operati

onal

Sources

Projected

Duration

(Operation

al Sources)

Norma

l

Durati

on that

water

last in

months

% of full

Capacity

Recharge

d by the

Rains

Locality of

Non-

operational

Water

Sources

Rain Fed Rivers

Ura,

Thangatha

,

Thanantu,

Mutonga,

Kathita,

Thingitho

6 12 months 12 100

2.

Borehole

s

115 95 12 months 12 100 Thiiti,

Gikingo and

Turima

locations

Marginal

mixed

farming

Borehole

s

190 133 5 months 4 100 Gatunga,

Maragwa

and

Kathangachi

ni,

Karurukuni,

Kamatungu,

Karuguaru,

Ntuge and

Marimanti

locations

2. Earth

dam/

Pans

22 21 4 Months 4 100 Kanjoro

location

12

Concentration at water points

Most of the areas had low concentrations at water points due to high recharge level from the

short rains which was above normal and evenly distributed. Areas with high population

concentration were trading and urban centres which is normal however the concentration at the

water sources was low compared to the previous season as shown in Table 11.

Table 12 : Most Concentrated Water Points

Most Concentrated Water Points

Ward/

Livelihood

zone

Actual Name

of the Water

Point

Norm

al No.

Serve

d

Current No.

Being

Served

Reason(s) for Variation

Rain Fed

Ura gate

borehole

150

HH

75 HH Main source i.e. Ura river is now

full to capacity thus the

concentration has been reduced.

Nkondi

Borehole

200

H/H

160 H/H Availability of water in seasonal

rivers due to good rainfall received

Marginal mixed

Farming

Gaceuni

borehole

300

HH

150 H/H Other sources i.e. Ura river, Gaceuni

dam and Manchege water pan have

enough water and everybody is

drawing water as well as watering

the animals from any of those

sources.

Mpingiro

borehole

100

HH

50HH Other sources i.e. Maragwa, and

Kamaguna earth dams and other

seasonal sources have water.

Gituma

Borehole

300

H/H

250 H/H Other sources of water including

seasonal rivers have water thus

reducing concentration.

Ntugi

Borehole

60

H/H

50 H/H Availability of water in Ntugi Earth

pan

Kijege Spring 500

H/H

400 H/H Availability of Households with rain

water harvesting structure.

13

Distance to water sources

The current distances to water sources were between 0.5-3 Km compared to the normal of 1-

5Km. This was due to high recharge water level due to good rainfall performance, most

boreholes/shallow wells recharged to their capacity which put less pressure on water sources.

The average Household water return distance increased from 2.2 Km in December 2019 to 2.8

Km in January 2020.

Household return distance to water sources in Mixed Farming Zone was 3.8 Km, 3.6 Km in

Marginal Mixed Farming Zone while the Rain Fed Zone had the least distance of 1 Km. The

average distance of household access to water was 47 percent lower than the long-term average

of 5.3 Km for the month of January.

Waiting time

There is no waiting time at the rivers, water pans and earth dams. Waiting time is longest in the

Marginal Mixed Farming livelihood zones at 5-30 minutes which was normal and lower than of

the previous season due increase in the number of functional water sources and low

concentration at those water points.

Cost of water

The cost of water per 20 litres jerry can was Ksh 2-5 in the Rain Fed and Mixed Farming

livelihood zones which normal at this time of the year. The cost was high in the Marginal Mixed

Farming Zone at Ksh 5-10 per 20 litre Jerry can compared to Kshs 10-20 normal price due

reduced distances to water sources and waiting time at this time of the year.

Water consumption

The water consumption per person per day was 20-40 liters across all the livelihood zones which

was normal compared to long term average due to increased availability of water. A summary of

access to water within the livelihood zones in terms of return distance to source, cost of water,

waiting time and household consumption is as shown in Table 12.

Table 13 : Summary of Access to Household Water Source

Ward /

livelihoo

d zone

Return Distance to

Water for Domestic

Use(Km)

Cost of Water

at Source

(Kshs. Per

20litres)

Waiting Time at

Water

Source(Minutes)

Average Water

Consumption

(Litres/person/da

y)

Normal Current Nor

mal

Current Normal Current Normal Curren

t

Rain Fed 1-2Km 0.5-2Km

2-5 2-5 5-10 3-10 20 - 40 30 - 60

Marginal

Mixed

Farming

1 – 5 1 – 5

10 -

20

5 -10 10 – 30 5-30 20 - 40 20 - 40

14

3.2.4 Food Consumption

The proportion of households with

acceptable Food Consumption Score

increased from 65 percent in December

2019 to above 90 percent in January and

February 2020 as shown in Figure 7. The

increase in Food Consumption Score was

attributed to improvement in household

food security and diversity due to harvests

from the 2019 short rain.

A higher proportion of Food Stressed

Households were in the Rain Fed Cropping

Zone at 13.3percent followed by 10

percent in the Marginal Mixed Farming

while the least proportion of households

was recorded in the Mixed Farming

Livelihood Zone.

The percentage of households with acceptable Food Consumption score is expected to improve

for the next 2-3 months.

3.2.5Coping Strategy

The rCSI for January 2020 shows that

48.3 percent of households were not

employing food coping strategies and

this proportion of household

increased to above 90 percent in

January and February 2020. Majority

of households (above 90 percent were

not using any livelihood coping

strategies from December 2019 to

February 2020. According to NDMA

data the highest CSI recorded in the

Marginal Mixed Farming zone was at

1.5 followed by 0.5 in the Mixed

Farming Zone while the Rain Fed

Livelihood Zone recorded the least CSI. The most commonly employed coping strategy

mechanisms during the month of January were: obtaining goods on credit, reliance on less

preferred and less expensive food. Some households employed livelihood based coping strategies

such as sale of some household assets, spending of savings as well as borrowing of short term

loans.

Mixed

Farming

1 – 5 1 – 5

2-5 2-5 5-10 3-10 20 - 40 20 - 60

Figure 7 : Tharaka Food Consumption Score

Figure 8 : Tharaka Coping Strategy Index

15

3.3 Utilisation

3.3.1Morbidity and Mortality Patterns

Upper respiratory Tract Infections (URTI), diarrhoea and malaria were reported as the most

prevalent diseases between July and December 2018 among the under-fives and the general

population. Among the under 5yrs the diseases were higher in 2018 compared to 2019 while for

the general population, the 3 most prevalent diseases were higher in 2019 compared to that of

2018 during the same period of October to December. Higher cases of URTI could be attributed

to the wet and cold season which was experienced from October to December 2019.

Diarrhea and malaria cases were higher amongst the under 5yrs than of the general population

and were comparable in 2019 and 2018. For the general population, the reduction in diarrhoea

cases in 2019 was attributed to enhanced health education by the Community Health Volunteers

(CHVs). Under five mortality rates and crude mortality rate (CMR) was normal and below the

emergency threshold.

Figure 9 : Morbidity Trends for under 5yrs and the general population

16

3.3.2 Immunization and Vitamin A supplementation

The percentage of fully immunized children in the county from January to June 2019 was 68

percent an increase from 59 percent recorded in January to June 2018. The increase is attributed

to campaign and reinforcement of Community Health Volunteers. However, the coverage was

lower than the National target of 80 percent. The below normal coverage was attributed to lack

of support of Malezi Bora program and shortage of antigens.

Table 14 : Vaccine Immunizations

Vitamin A supplementation coverage for 6-11 months, 12-59 months and 6-59 months for the

county from July to December 2019 was lower compared to that from July to December 2018

and national target. This decrease was attributed to lack of support for Malezi Bora program

by Nutrition Health program Plus (NHP) when their term expired in August 2019.

Table 15 : Vitamin A Supplementation

Year Children 6-11 months Children 12 to 59 months

Received vitamin

A supplementation

Source> DHIS

MOH 710

Vaccines and

Immunizations

Total

Population (6-

11 months)

Received vitamin A

supplementation

Source> DHIS

MOH 710 Vaccines and

Immunizations

Total

Population

(12-59

months)

July to

Dec

2019

2,079 3,373 4,656 2,0682

July to

Dec

2018

1,487 3,299 13,992 20,053

Year Percentage of fully

immunized children in

the county

Source DHIS MOH 710

Vaccines and

Immunizations

Percentage of children immunized against

the mentioned diseases in the county

Source: (Nutrition survey if available)

January to

June 2019

68% 1. OPV 1 - 61.4%

2. OPV 3 -54.1%

3. Measles ---67.3%

January to

June 2018

59% 1. OPV 1 --- 96.1%

2. OPV 3 --91.9%

3. Measles ---81.6%

17

3.3.3 Nutritional Status and Dietary Diversity

The proportion of children under five years at risk of malnutrition based on mid upper arm

circumference (MUAC) of < 135 mm,

was six percent in October but increased

to 7.4 percent in November and reduced

slightly to seven percent in December.

The percentage of children with

MUAC<135mm reduced from 6.8

percent in January to 3.7 percent in

February which was attributed to

improvement in household food security

and has been below the long-term

average of 34 percent. However,

proportion of children at risk of

malnutrition is expected to reduce with

the improvement of household food

security over the next three months.

Currently, most households are consuming three meals per day across all the livelihood zones

which is normal at this time of the year.

3.3.2 Sanitation and Hygiene

Cases of water contamination were reported in the two sub-counties of Tharaka North and

Tharaka South. In the Marginal Mixed Farming zone, contamination was mainly from human

and animal waste, while in the remaining two zones, contamination was by human waste and

agricultural activities.

Water treatments chemical were available but not accessible to some households who perceived

the costs to be high. In the Mixed Farming and Rain Fed zones, water treatment chemicals were

available and widely used. Other commonly used method of water treatment at household level

was boiling which was not consistently done by some households.

The latrine coverage from the public health record was estimated at 82 percent, however, from

the Focus Group Discussions (FGD), it was reported that some of the pit latrines had collapsed

as result of the heavy October to December 2019 rainfall. The areas affected were mainly in the

Mixed Farming Zones of Tunyai, Kanyuru and its environs (Table 15).

Table 16 : Latrine Coverage and Utilisation

Sub County

/Livelihood zone

Latrine Coverage Household Relieving Points in

Percentage

Tharaka North and

Tharaka South.

July To Dec

2019

% Coverage

July to

December

2018

% Coverage

Own

Latrine

(%)

Shared

Latrine

(%)

Open

defecation

(bushes)

(%)

82% 82% 67% 15% 18%

Figure 10 : MUAC percentage for Under 5Yrs

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec'a

t ris

k' (M

UA

C<

135m

m)

Average (2015-2019) 2019 2020

18

3.4 TRENDS OF KEY FOOD SECURITY INDICATORS

Table 17 : Food Security Trends in Tharaka Nithi County

Indicator Long rains assessment, July

2019

Short rains assessment, Feb 2020

% of Maize stocks

held by households

(agro-pastoral)

5% of LTA

Livestock body

condition

Marginal

Mixed Fair Marginal

Mixed Good

Mixed

Farming

Fair to Poor Mixed

Farming

Good

Rain Fed Fair to Poor Rain Fed Good

Water consumption

(litres per person per

day)

Marginal 10-15 Marginal 20 – 40

Mixed 15-20 Mixed 20 – 60

Farming

Zone 20-25 Farming

Zone

Rain Fed Rain Fed 20-60

Price of maize (per kg) Kshs 29 35

Distance to

grazing(KM)

Marginal 8 Marginal 1-5

Mixed

1 Mixed

Farming

1-5

Rain Fed

Zone

4 Rain Fed

Zone

0.5-2

Terms of trade 127.2 100

Coping strategy index Marginal

Mixed 6.6 Marginal

Mixed 1.5

Mixed

Farming 2.25 Mixed

Farming 0.5

Rain Fed

Zone 0 Rain Fed

Zone 0

Food consumption

score

Acceptable 77% Acceptable 95.4

Borderline 22% Borderline 4.2

Poor 1% Poor 0

19

3.5 Education

3.5.1 Enrolment There was no significant change in enrollment at all levels of education that is ECDE, Primary,

and Secondary for both boys and girls. The minimal changes schools recorded in primary and

secondary were as a result of movements of transfers of learners to other regions sub such as

Maara, Chuka, and Meru County. The slight increase of four percent in primary school was

attributed to food availability and income at household. The enrolment in secondary school was

an improvement compared to a drop of about 10 percent recorded during the previous season as

shown in Table 17.

Table 18 : Tharaka School Admission

Term III 2019 Term I 2020 (includes

new students registered

and drop-outs since

Term III 2019)

%

Increase

or

Decrease

Comments

(reasons for

increase or

decrease)

Enrollment №

Boys

№

Girls

Total №

Boys

№

Girls

Total

ECD 3,197 3,023 6,220 3,211 2,989 6,200 0.2%

decrease

Increased

tuition charges

and expenses.

Primary 19,879 20,835 40,364 20,357 21,214 41,891 4%

Increase

On going

harvest

Secondary 3,395 3,593 6,988 3,381 3,462 6,843 2%

decrease

Parents

enrolled

children in

other counties.

3.5.2 Participation

There was minimal variation in attendance for both boys and girls. Normal school absenteeism

due to illness and other domestic issues and delayed disbursement of funds by the Government to

cater for school meals programme were factors that affected participation minimally

3.5.3 Retention

The drop-out rate for both boys and girls was negligible in both sub-counties, which was

attributed to the enrolment drives by Ministry of Education and the Government policy of 100

percent transition.

20

3.5.4 School Meals Programme

There are two types of school feeding programs in Tharaka sub-counties which include Home

Grown School Meals Programme (HGSM) and Expanded School Meals Programme (ESMP).

There are 69 schools under HGSM benefitting 16,905 pupils (8,452 girls and 8,453 boys) and 37

schools under ESMP benefitting 8,008 pupils (3,525 girls and 4,483 boys). A total of 61 schools

not covered by either of the School Meals Programme comprised57 in Tharaka South and four in

Tharaka North. School meals program contributed to improved enrolment, participation and

retention of pupils in schools.

However, some of the challenges experienced in HGSM programs included: delayed

disbursement of funds from the Government, inadequate clean and safe water in schools,

especially during the first week of October 2019 in Kamanyaki location, Maragwa,

Kathangachini and Kanjoro location.

3.5.5 Inter Sectoral links where available

The county received above normal short rains which resulted to recharge of water sources and

water harvesting at home and in school Hence most of the schools had sufficient water except for

the ones with insufficient water storage tanks. For schools with insufficient water storage,

provision school meals programme is negatively impacted.

4.0 Food Security Prognosis

4.1 Prognosis Assumptions

The county’s food security prognosis for the next six months is based on the following

assumptions:

According to meteorological forecast, there is increased likelihood of normal to above

normal rainfall March-May long rains 2020.

Based on long term price trends from NDMA sentinel data, the prices of staple foods are

likely to be below long term average due to the on-going harvest that was above normal.

Based on the trends of long term price from NDMA bulletin, the goat prices are likely to

remain above the long term average and the terms of trade are likely to remain above the

LTA for the next three months.

The current good body condition of livestock is likely to be sustained until the long rains.

Forage and water availability is expected to be above normal till the beginning of 2020

long rain season.

4.2 Food Security Outlook March to May

Food Stocks at households’ level will improve across the livelihood Zones from March to April,

2020 due on going short rain 2019 harvest and the prices are likely to reduce during this period.

However, the price of maize is likely to increase towards the month of May as household stocks

diminish due to below average production. However, most farmers are likely to get income from

sales of green grams and sorghum. Livestock prices are expected to increase up to end of May

21

due to improved livestock body condition as a result of good pasture and water availability

supplemented by crop residues. Terms of Trade will be favourable to Livestock farmers

compared to crop farmers and the trend is expected to continue until the beginning of the long

rainy season. The March to May long rains are expected to promote forage and recharge water

resources by mid-April while livestock. By mid-March, lambing and kidding is anticipated to

continue improving and leading to increased milk production.

Based on this scenario, a high proportion of households are likely to have acceptable food

consumption score and the percentage of children aged below five years at risk of malnutrition is

expected to reduce.

4.3 Food Security Outlook for June to August 2020

The household maize stock is expected to be depleted by June 2020, hence farmers will rely on

more on markets to replenish their stocks. The forecasted long rains is expected to be near

normal to above normal and is likely facilitate early crop planting and increased weeding

activities in the farms therefore enhancing labour income and household purchasing power.

Harvests of early maturing crops and vegetables in July 2020 are likely to improve household

food consumptions and reduce coping strategies across the livelihood zones.

Improvement of pasture and browse during the long rains 2020 season is likely to sustain the

good livestock body condition up to August. This will impact positively in livestock productivity

such as increased births and milk production. Increased food milk availability and consumption

at household level will impact positively on nutrition status for children under five.

5.0 Conclusion and Interventions

5.1 Conclusion

5.1.1 Phase Classification

The three livelihood zones in Tharaka North and Tharaka South sub-counties are classified in the

Minimal Phase (IPC Phase 1) food insecurity phase classification

5.1.2 Summary of Findings

The 2019 Short rains performance of the short rains was good which impacted positively on the

crop performance and improved household food stocks. The rains also led to improvements in

forage and water resources which in turn led to improvements in livestock body conditions and

milk production. The water recharge level both for the surface and underground sources were

more than 100 percent of the usual recharge with an exception of dams whose embankments

were breached. Although the rainfall performance was good destruction of crops by locust was

experienced in Maragwa, Katahangachini location and other areas of Tharaka leading to crop

losses. Post-harvest losses were experienced as a result of enhanced rainfall during harvesting

leading to poor cereal quality due to poor drying of cereals. Harvests realized will significantly

improve food availability at household level. Terms of trade were above the LTA indicating

improved household purchasing power for enhanced food accessibility. The mean coping

strategy index for the three livelihood zones for the period under review improved and was low

compared to last season pointing to households having less stress in obtaining food. The

proportion of households with acceptable food consumption score improved with over 90 and 80

percent proportion of household having acceptable FCS in January and February 2020

22

respectively. The proportion of children under five years at risk of malnutrition reduced in

February which was attributed to improvement in household food security.

5.1.3 Sub-County Ranking

Table 19 : Sub-County Ranking

Sub County Predominant

Livelihood

Food security

rank (1-6)

Main food security threat / Contributing

factors

Tharaka

North

Marginal

Mixed Farming

4 • High number of Locust invasion

• High cases of Livestock diseases i.e

CCPP, LSD

• High malnutrition rates

• Tresses of Conflicts along the border

Tharaka

South

Rain Fed and

Mixed Farming

5 • Low number of Locust invasion

• Low malnutrition rates

• Low Livestock disease cases

Very Good (5-6) Good (4) Fair (3) Poor (1-2)

5.2 Ongoing Interventions

5.2.1 Food interventions

There were no food interventions in the region.

5.2.2 Non-food interventions

Agriculture

Sub

Coun

ty

Intervention Location No. of

beneficiari

es

Implement

ers

Impacts

in terms

of food

security

Cost Time

Frame

THA

RAK

A

NOR

TH

Operationalizat

ion of

Mukothima

grain store

Gikingo 6,200 MOA Rampant

selling of

produce

during

harvest

time

2.0M 6

Months

23

reduced

Control and

management of

locust invasion

Kathangachi

ni,maragwa,g

atue,kanjoto,

karocho and

marimanti

locations

6,600 National

govt and

county govt

Improved

crop

productivi

ty and

profitabili

ty

5M 2 yrs

Implementatio

n of projects of

development

KCEP,KCAP

and

UTNRMP

8,000 Developme

nt

partners,Na

tional and

County

Govts

Thar

aka

south

Rehabilitation

of Nkondi store

is almost

complete

Nkondi 2020

Supply

subsidized

inputs (KCEP

CRAL, county

government)

All 2,157 County

Govt,

KCEP

CRAL

Improved

food

security

2022

Supply

subsidized

inputs (county

government)

All 1,500 County

Govt

Improved

food

security

Continuo

us

Support to

groups in green

gram value

chain

Marimanti,

Ciakariga

8groups

(198

farmers)

County

Govt,

KCSAP

Improved

food

security

Construction of

Ruungu

Irrigation

scheme

Marimanti 1000

farmers

SIVAP Improved

food

security

2020

24

Promotion of

cashewnut to

serve as

alternative cash

crop

All 230 County

govt

Improved

access to

food

Continuo

us

Livestock

Count

y

Sub

Count

y

Interventio

n

No.

of

ben

efici

arie

s

Implementers Impacts

on food

security

Cost (

Kshs)

Time

Frame

Immediate

Tharak

a Nithi

Tharak

a

North&

South

Community

sensitizatio

n on fodder

managemen

t and

preservatio

n

380 Livestock

production

department

It will

ensure that

animal feed

is available

throughout

the year

hence

constant

production

of milk and

meat both

of which

shall have

a positive

impact on

the HH

income

which is an

aspect of

food

security

40,000 2month

s

Tharak

a Nithi

Tharak

a North

&South

Ring

Vaccination

of cattle

against

LSD

710 TNCG and

Veterinary

department

Reduce

losses of

production

and income

related to

the disease

hence safe

400,00

0

1month

25

guard the

farmers

economical

ly and

secure their

HH food

supply

Tharak

a South

Chicken

rearing

100 KCSAP and

livestock

production dept.

Improve

production

and

availability

of milk per

Household

which has

an impact

on

Household

s Nutrition

of the and

income

6M June

2021

Water

Immediate On-going Interventions

Sub

County/

Ward

Intervention Location No. of

benefi

ciaries

Implementer

s

Cost Time

Frame

Implementatio

n Status (% of

completion)

Tharaka

North

Construction of

Nthungu rock

catchment

Kathang

achini

1000 National

government

through

UTaNRMP

1.3

million

May –

July

2019

90%

Construction of

Karangare rock

catchments

Maragwa 1000 TNCG 4.0

million

May –

August

2019

70 %

Construction of

Kieirathi Rck

Catchment

Maragwa 1000 National

Government

Through

TWWDA

Aug-Dec

2019

70%

26

Borehole

Drillng Gakauni

Py School

Kanjoro 1400 “””” “””” 75%

Repair of

Boreholes

Maragua,

Mukothi

ma

Mariman

ti,

Chiakari

ga and

Gatunga

800

H/H

Carbon Zero

TNCG

Jan-April

2020

21%

Capacity

building of

project

management

committee

Al l 800 County,

UTaRNMP,

Carbon Zero,

TWWDA

July

2018-

June

2020

80%

Upgrading of

Hand pumps to

solar powered

Mukothi

ma,

Nkondi

and

Mariman

ti wards

1000

H/H

TNCG 4

Million

2018/201

9 Fy

90%

Extension of

Kibunga

Kakimiki water

project to

Maragwa

Maragwa 400

H/H

TNCG,

Water sector

trust fund

20

Million

2016-

2020

90%

Provision of 10

meter Cubic

Plastic water

tanks

All

Wards

10

Institut

ions

TWWDA,

TNCG

1

Million

2018/201

9 Fy

50%

27

Health and Nutrition

Sub

Count

y

Intervention

Locati

on

No. of beneficiaries Implement

ers

Estimat

ed Cost

(Ksh)

Time

Frame

Male Female

Thara

ka

South

&

North

Vitamin A

Supplementat

ion

Tharak

a

South&

North

All <5yrs All <5yrs M O H Continou

s

Thara

ka

North

&Sout

h

Zinc

Supplementat

ion

Tharak

a

South&

North

All <5

With

Diarrhoea

All <5 With

Diarrhea

M O H Continuo

us

Thara

ka

South

&

North

Management

Of Acute

Malnutrition

(IMAM)

Tharak

a South

&

North

All

children

with

malnutriti

on

All

children

with

malnutriti

on

M O H Continuo

us

Thara

ka

South

&

North

IYCN

Interventions

(EBF And

Timely Intro

Of

Complementa

ry Foods)

Tharak

a

South&

North

All <5yrs All <5yrs M O H Continuo

us

Thara

ka

South

&

North

Iron Folate

Supplementat

ion Among

Pregnant

Women

Tharak

a

South&

North

0 All

pregnant

women

M O H Continou

s

Thara

ka

South

Deworming Tharak

a

South&

All <5yrs All <5yrs M O H Continuo

us

28

&

North

North

Education

Sub-

county

Intervention/

activity (Please

be as detailed as

possible.)

Name of

school

№

beneficiari

es

Implement

ers (Please

list all

partners.)

Please

detail any

impacts

(positive

and

negative)

of each

interventio

n.

Timefra

me

(please

detail

whether

activity

is long-

term,

short-

term,

when it

began

and

when it

will

finish.)

T/Nort

h

Water tanks 5 1009 Tawa water

services

Availabilit

y of clean

water

Dec

2019-Jan

2020

Thara

ka

South

HGSMP Ntugi,

Kamanyaki

2,479 Governmen

t

Thara

ka

South

ESMP Ntugi,

Turima,Nko

ndi

8,220 IAS

Thara

ka

North

and

South

Secondary

Quality

Improvement

programme(SEQ

IP)

(Bursary,

infrastructure

dvpt’ and Text

book

All schools

in Tharaka

North and

south Sub

counties

48,734 MoE Improved

enrollment

,

Performan

ce and

transition

from

Primary to

Secondary

.

July

2019 to

July

2022

29

5.3 Recommended Interventions

Agriculture

Sub

Count

y

Interven

tion

Location No. of

benefi

ciarie

s

Proposed

Implement

ers

Required

Resources

Availa

ble

Resou

rces

Time

Fram

e

Tharak

a

North

Support

farmers

with

certified

locust

control

chemical

s

Maragwa and

Kathangachini

locations

6,000 NDMA,

County

Gvt,MoA,

FAO and

other

stakeholder

s

Chemicals - Imme

diatel

y

Tharak

a

North

Capacity

Building

and

sensitisati

on of

Farmers

about

Locust

Manage

ment

Maragwa and

Kathangachini

locations

6,000 NDMA,

County

Gvt,MoA,

FAO and

other

stakeholder

s

Facilitation Person

nel

Imme

diatel

y

Tharak

a

North

Support

Ground

spraying

of locusts

by

trained

personnel

and

Farmers

Marag and

Kathangachini

locations

6,000 County

Gvt, Plan

Internation

al,IAS,

Facilitation,

Trainings,

Chemicals

,Spraying

equipment’

s

Human

resourc

e

Imme

diatel

y

Tharak

a

North

Construct

ion of a

NCPB

store

Mukothima 9845 Moa/stakeh

olders

Capital

Land

Labour

Land 2 yrs.

Tharak

a

North

Setting of

an

irrigation

Gatue,Maragwa,

Kanjoro,kathang

achini

4590 Mowi,moa,

stakeholder

s

Capital

Land

Labour

Land 2yrs

30

Tharak

a south

Rehabilit

ation of

Nkondi

store is

almost

complete

Nkondi 2020

Supply

subsidize

d inputs

(KCEP

CRAL,

county

governm

ent)

All 2157 County

govt, kcep

cral

Improved

food

security

2022

Supply

subsidize

d inputs

(county

governm

ent)

All 1500 County

govt

Improved

food

security

Conti

nuous

Support

to groups

in green

gram

value

chain

Marimanti,

Ciakariga

8grou

ps

(198

farmer

s)

County

govt, kcsap

Improved

food

security

Construct

ion of

Ruungu

Irrigation

scheme

Marimanti 1000

farmer

s

Sivap Improved

food

security

2020

Promotio

n of

cashewnu

t to serve

as

All 230 County

govt

Improved

access to

food

Conti

nuous

31

alternativ

e cash

crop

Livestock

Count

y

Sub

County

Interventi

on

No. of

beneficiar

ies

Proposed

Implement

ers

Require

d

Resourc

es

Availab

le

Resourc

es

Time

Frame

Thara

ka

nithi

Tharaka

North

Fodder

production

400 TNCG

Livestock

department

Personn

el,

planting

seeds,

fuel

200ltrs

& funds

400,000/

=

Personn

el

2years

Thara

ka

Nithi

Tharaka

North&Sou

uth

Upgrading

of cattle

for meat

and milk

600 TNCG,

Livestock

department

(production

&

Veterinary)

Personn

el,

semen

and

other

related

inputs,

bikes

All Continuo

us

Thara

ka

Nithi

Tharaka

North &

South

Mass

Vaccinatio

n of Cattle

against

LSD

3,500 TNCG,

Livestock

department

(Veterinary

)

Personn

el and

funds

1M

Personn

el

3months

Water

Immediate recommended Interventions

Sub

Count

Interventi Location No. of

beneficiar

Proposed

Implement

Required

Resource

Availabl

e

Time

32

y/

Ward

on

ies ers s Resourc

es

Frame

Tharak

a

north/

Gatun

ga

ward

Repair of

non-

functional

shallow

wells

Mukothi

ma

Gatunga

Maragwa

5000 TNCG

GoK

Partners

2.48m Skilled

labour

Feb-

June –

2020

Training

on

operation

and

maintenan

ce

All

Wards

2800 TNCG Stationari

es, Fuel

Personn

el,

June

2020-

Decemb

er 2022

Enhancem

ent of Roof

catchment

harvesting

structures

All

Wards

5000 NDMA,

TNCG,

IAS, Plan

Internationa

l

Technicia

ns, Funds

Personn

el

2020-

2022

Medium and Long Term recommended Interventions

Constructi

on of small

dams /

weirs

across

rivers Ura

Mukothi

ma and

Gatunga

10,000 GoK

TNCG

Partners

175m Skilled

labour

Feb-

June

2020

Disilting of

dams and

pans

Gatunga

and

Maragwa

20,000 GoK

TNCG

Partners

28m Skilled

labour

Feb-

June

2020

Upgrading

of wells

with high

yields to

solar

pumps

All

Wards

1000 GoK

TNCG

Partners

2.48m Skilled

labour

Feb-

June

2020

33

Health and Nutrition

Immediate Recommended Interventions

Sub

County

/Ward

Intervention Location No. of

beneficiaries

Proposed

Implementers

Required

Resources

Available

Resources

Time

Frame

Tharaka

South& North

Support

Supervision

Sub-

County

All Health

Facilities

SCHMT Funds Man

Power

Continuous

Mass

Screening

Sub-

County

<5yrs 15724 SCHMT Funds Human

Resource

Continuous

Targeted Outreaches

Sub-County

<5yrs 15724 SCHMT Funds Human Resource

Continuous

Medium and Long term Recommended Interventions

Sub

County

/Ward

Intervention Location No. of

beneficiaries

Proposed

Implementers

Required

Resources

Available

Resources

Time

Frame

THARAKA

SOUTH

Provision of

water tanks

Nkondi

Ward

Chiakariga Ward

Kereria

Dispensary ,

Rukurini Disp,

Tumbura

Disp,

Gakirwe Disp,

Gaceraaka

Disp,

Nkarini Disp

NDMA Funds None Before

Short Rains Commences

Education

Sub-

coun

ty

Interven

tion/acti

vity

Justificati

on/

reason/ne

ed for this

activity

Location №

beneficiaries

targeted

Propos

ed

implem

enters

Requ

ired

resou

rces

Avail

able

resou

rces

Timefra

me

T/N

ORT

Food Schools

not under

Maragwa

Gatue

2,625 MOE FUN

D

Water

Kitch

2020

34

H HGSMP Kanjoro en

Thar

aka

Sout

h

SMP Nkondi,

Matakiri,Kamany

aki,

Chiakariga,Ntugi,

Turima,Tunyai,M

arimanti

10,500 GOK/

WFP

20m Thara

ka

South

SMP

Supply

of

Water

tanks

Nkondi,

Matakiri,Kamany

aki,

Chiakariga,Ntugi,

Turima,Tunyai,M

arimanti

10,500 NDMA

/Plan

10m