Maize plants in Kenya (photo on Flickr by Vanessa Meadu).
‘There has been a lot of talk, research, and policy documents on climate change and what this portends for the country’s food and even national security.
‘However, not much has been done on the ground to mitigate the effects of climate variability despite the knowledge.
‘Prof Margaret Kamar, the Minister for Higher Education Science and Technology, has warned of a catastrophe unless practical steps are taken to increase forest cover and protect the environment.
Almost three years ago, the International Livestock Research Institute warned that Kenyan’s staple food—maize—would continue to perform poorly in parts of Eastern Province because the crop cannot tolerate high temperatures.
‘This year, the region is reporting another maize crop failure, despite efforts to support farmers with seeds and other inputs. . . .’
Read the whole editorial at the Daily Nation (Kenya): Heed climate warnings, 12 March 2012.
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