Farmers and agricultural stakeholders have been urged to strengthen preparedness, ahead of the forecast El Niño conditions, which may bring enhanced rainfall, flooding, stagnant water, prolonged wetness, and high humidity.

In a press release Tuesday, aak-GROW/CropLife Kenya, said the conditions could affect public health, crop production, animal health, and the supply of essential agricultural inputs.

The organization is encouraging farmers, agro-dealers, and other stakeholders, to act early, increase pest surveillance, and protect crops and harvested produce.

“Preparedness is critical to managing the risks associated with the forecast El-Niño conditions. We are calling on farmers, agro-dealers, and stakeholders across the agricultural supply chain to act early, strengthen pest surveillance and safeguard both crops and harvested produce,” said Joel Mutai, Chief Executive Officer of aak-GROW.

Mutai said timely action could help reduce avoidable losses, while protecting farm productivity, livelihoods, and food security.

On pest and control risks, the CEO warned that flooding and stagnant water may increase mosquito populations and the public should, therefore, use treated mosquito nets according to label instructions and only use Pest Control Products Board (PCPB)-approved insecticides with low toxicity.

“Farmers should watch for increased pest activity and possible outbreaks and use available pest surveillance and early warning systems, even as they remain alert for migratory pests such as desert locusts and African armyworm.

Later in the El Niño period, particularly in early 2027, the CEO asked farmers to remain alert for possible resurgence of fall armyworm, stem borer, and diamondback moths.

“Prolonged wetness and high humidity may also increase fungal disease risk, making proper crop spacing, raised beds where possible, pruning and regular farm scouting important,” he advised.

Farmers have also been called upon to protect harvests and manage weeds since moisture levels may create favourable conditions for aflatoxin development.

“Let farmers use certified seed and protect harvested produce from moisture through timely harvesting or artificial drying,” the CEO said.

Heavy rainfall may also increase weed competition and reduce the effectiveness of herbicide and the advisory has recommended early weed control, careful timing of herbicide application, and integrated weed management using measures such as cover crops, mulching and conservation agriculture, thus Mutai encouraged farmers to collect and properly manage empty pesticide containers to prevent them from being washed into water bodies during flooding.

On matters of supply chains and livestock, the CEO said that flooding, damaged infrastructure, and poor road connectivity may disrupt the supply of pesticides, fertilizers, seeds and vaccines.

“Agricultural suppliers are encouraged to pre-position stocks in high-demand areas and strengthen awareness against counterfeit products, particularly during stock-outs or prolonged delays in resupply,” Mutai said.

For livestock, the CEO advised farmers to ensure vaccinations are carried out on time, as wet conditions and flooding may increase animal health risks.

“Early preparation remains key and regular farm monitoring, early detection of pests and diseases, responsible use of approved agricultural products, and proper management of agricultural inputs and waste will support safer and more resilient farming during periods of increased rainfall.

The organization has further reemphasized on the need for farmers and other agricultural stakeholders to remain vigilant and take timely action to minimize potential risks associated with El Niño conditions.

The Government and the Kenya Meteorological Department issued high-level public safety and health advisories, warning of above-normal, severe El Niño rainfall expected from October through December 2026, with effects potentially extending into early 2027.

A preliminary government assessment estimates that up to 1.5 million people across Kenya could be affected by the expected El-Niño rains and subsequent flooding.

aak-GROW is a national representative of the global pest control industry uniting stakeholders in the pest control sector, including producers, manufacturers, importers, formulators, re-packers, distributors, and users of pest control products.

By Wangari Ndirangu