Thirsty fields: Mt Kenya's battle for water as rivers dry, glaciers diminish

River Ngare Ndare, a lifeline winding its way through sheer rock facades and rolling hills, shimmers in striking hues of turquoise blue and vivid green.

Its source inside Ngare Ndare forest at the heart of the Mt. Kenya ecosystem is as breathtaking and unique as the landscape it quenches.

However, this once-thriving river, whose source is the Mt. Kenya glacier, is facing a dire challenge - a battle against diminishing glaciers which is threatening the river's survival. This has also gotten local communities concerned.

Hundreds of elephants, along with other wildlife, depend on this water source, not only for drinking but also for bathing, as do humans. This shared dependence has intensified the competition for this increasingly scarce resource.

Reports indicate that the glaciers atop Rwenzori and Mt Kenya, two of East Africa's iconic mountain ranges, are rapidly disappearing and will most likely be gone by the 2040s.

The alarming findings suggested that these glaciers, which have already experienced significant shrinkage, are on track to vanish ahead of their projected timelines, with potentially devastating consequences for ecosystems, water resources, and the communities that depend on them.

"This river is our lifeline, our history. It has quenched our thirst for centuries," laments Jeremiah Mwenda, the Head Guide of Ngare Ndare Trust. "Now, its waters are dwindling, and we are fighting to preserve what's left."

Data paints a grim picture. Over the last decade, the water levels in the Ngare Ndare River have decreased by a staggering 30 per cent. The once mighty river, ed by the melting glaciers of Mt. Kenya, now struggles to sustain communities of Isiolo, Laikipia, and Meru counties.

Abdi Mohammed, a livestock farmer from Manyagalo village in Meru County, reveals the daily struggles they go through: "We used to depend on this river for irrigation and drinking water. Now, we receive water once every five days. Our crops are wilting, and our animals are suffering."

The plight of Abdi and countless others echoes through the neighbouring villages. Martin Kinoti, another farmer, paints a stark picture of their efforts to adapt: "We've embraced zero grazing to save water, but even that is not enough. Our milk production has decreased. Our animals graze alongside wildlife, desperate for any greenery. It's a struggle for survival."

The villagers insist that the root cause of this crisis lies in the melting glaciers of Mt. Kenya. Historically, river Ngare Ndare found its source in these icy giants.

However, climate change has accelerated their demise. According to scientific studies, Mt. Kenya's glaciers have decreased by approximately 45 per cent in the last century. These once-steady reservoirs of freshwater are now diminishing at an alarming rate, leaving communities vulnerable.

Mwenda's words echo the sentiments of many: "Our battle isn't just against climate change. It's a battle against time. We need to act swiftly to save our river."

Efforts are underway to conserve what remains. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in collaboration with local communities, has erected a 100,000-litre water tank, offering a temporary reprieve.

"Since its operation from 2010 to date, the water from the tank has transformed our lives," says Abdi, adding; "However, it's not a permanent solution. We need sustainable measures to safeguard our future."

Michael Misiko, Agriculture Director Africa region at the Nature Conservancy, sheds light on the way forward: "Efficient water use is paramount. We need to ensure irrigation methods practised are water-saving. The conflict between pastoralists and farmers for water resources is escalating. Responsible water management can mitigate these conflicts."

Magret Wamboi, Laikipia County crops officer, emphasizes the need for innovative solutions: "We are enhancing the use of drip irrigation and water storage through the creation of water pans. Water-efficient farming methods are crucial to our survival."

Dr Boniface Kiteme, the Center Director at the Centre for Training and Integrated Research in Arid and Semi-Arid Lands Development (CETRAD) in Nanyuki, underscores the importance of community involvement saying: "Water governance structures at the grassroots level are vital. The institutions within our society need to be supported and empowered. Education and awareness are key components in ensuring sustainable water management."

He added: "Yet, the struggle against the impending water crisis isn't just about conservation efforts and governance. It's also about resilience and unity among the affected communities."

The impending El Nino now offers a glimmer of hope. The community, that weathered adversity, is now preparing for the rains.

"We plant onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and vegetables, hoping that the rain will bless our fields once more," shares Martin Kinoti a farmer.

However, the battle for water isn't confined to Ngare Ndare alone. The neighbouring rivers of Tigithi and Wambagoreti have also succumbed to the harsh realities of climate change. The once-flowing rivers have dried up, leaving communities desperate for a solution.

As the Ngare Ndare River continues to shrink, so does the hope of the communities that depend on it. The battle for water in the heartland of Mt. Kenya is not just a battle for survival; it's a battle for the soul of these communities.