Crop failure: About 10,000 people in Matungulu staring at starvation

About 10,000 people are in dire need of relief food in Matungulu following crop failure, a leader has said.

Matungulu West Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Raphael Lucky said residents are in need of food aid after crops in their farms dried up after the November-December rains failed in 2024.

He said the most affected villages in his ward are Koma, Matuu, Kalandini, Kisukioni, and Nguluni.

''I am appealing to individuals, organisations, county and national government to assist the affected families
in my ward because they are facing hunger and need urgent relief supplies,'' Mr Lucky said during a meeting with residents at Koma location in his ward.

The MCA advised residents in his ward to embrace modern farming techniques to boost crop production and increase food security.

"I'm asking residents to stop over-reliance on rain-fed agriculture which leads to famine when rains fail. They should instead start planting drought resistant crops and use irrigation,'' he added.

The MCA also advised residents in his ward to embrace modern farming techniques to boost crop production and increase food security.

Mr lucky at the same time urged residents to practice crop-rotation to address declining soil fertility.

The MCA also called on both the national and county government to put in place mitigation measures to ensure residents do not stave in the coming months.

He also asked two(2) levels of government to address challenges facing hunger especially in arid areas, to be food-secure by
addressing short-term plans to help those in need of food.

He called on agricultural extension officers in the county to train farmers on suitable crops to plant before the onset of long rains expected from March 2025.

"Food shortage in this county is due to outdated farming methods," he said.

Mr Lucky at the same time urged county leaders to work as a team to resolve issues affecting residents.

Contacted, Machakos County Commissioner Josephine Ouko declined to comment on the food situation  and those who need relief food in the county.