The study was undertaken
to determine rainfall variability and droughts in arid and semi-arid lands
(ASALs) of Baringo County. The study used rainfall data for Perkerra Agricultural
Research Station (LM5) and Nginyang rainfall station (IL6) for the period
1970-2008 and 1974-2013 respectively. Standardized anomalies were calculated
and plotted to establish trends of drought events across the study period.
Plots of rainfall data from the two stations displayed an oscillating trend
with major rainfall peaks being observed in 1977 and 2007 for Perkerra, 1982
and 1997 for Nginyang. Analysis of rainfall data from the two stations
indicates four catastrophic drought periods recognized with standard anomalies
of less than-0.9 (SA (t) <-0.9) as a function of the time scales. The
study findings reveal that MAM seasonal drought index plots for both Perkerra
and Nginyang rainfall stations had a declining long-term MAM seasonal rainfall
trend. Perkerra OND Seasonal Drought Index plot indicates a constant trend in
the long-term OND seasonal rainfall while Nginyang long-term OND seasonal
drought trend shows a gentle upward trend, an indication that the conditions
are improving. The study recommends the strengthening of uptake of seasonal
climate forecast to inform appropriate decision making regarding response to
rainfall variability and drought events.
Cite this paper
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