How old myth about smoke bringing rains fuels forest fires in Taita

For generations, desperate farmers in Taita Taveta County have clung to a long-held belief that setting forests ablaze can summon rainfall. This practice has led to the widespread destruction of the county's vital forests, which serve as critical water towers and habitats for endangered wildlife and plant species. The belief remains particularly strong during prolonged dry spells. Despite scientific evidence largely debunking the myth, some studies suggest a kernel of truth, citing findings from as early as 1929 that indicate smoke particles can act as cloud condensation nuclei, aiding in cloud formation. In Voi, Ben Mwanga, a respected elder, asserts that the tradition continues to hold sway among the local community. He claims that burning forests to generate smoke has, for years, yielded the desired results. "The cultural belief has worked for our people, and it should not be dismissed. Whenever these fires are set, rainfall follows within two weeks," insists Mwanga. However, the consequences have been devastating. Recently, a raging wildfire engulfed hundreds of acres of vegetation, leaving a trail of destruction across the Iyale, Kinyenshamvua, and Mghambonyi forests-key ecological zones that serve as water towers. These forests are also home to critically endangered species such as the Taita Apalis and the Taita White-eye, whose populations are already in sharp decline due to illegal human activities Another blaze erupted in Wundanyi town, close to the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) station and Wundanyi Police Station. "We managed to contain the fire before it spread further," confirmed Wundanyi Location Chief Elijah Kimbichi. Taita's acting Deputy County Commissioner, Francis Lomer, warned that security personnel are vigilant and will take measures against those attempting to enter protected forests armed with machetes, matchboxes or hunting dogs. "We will not tolerate illegal activities in our forests. Anyone caught destroying state property or violating environmental laws will face prosecution," he said. Lomer further disclosed that Iyale Forest, a crucial habitat for the endangered Taita Apalis, was recently set on fire by farmers who are now being pursued by police. "Our forest cover has dwindled to less than four per cent, and we are losing it at an alarming rate. We are urging farmers to embrace tree planting and sustainable forestry practices," he said. These incidents coincide with growing concerns over recurrent wildfires that continue to devastate the expansive Tsavo ecosystem, the largest conservation area in Kenya. In recent weeks, thousands of acres of vegetation have been lost to fires in Tsavo National Park. Kenya Wildlife Service Tsavo Conservation Area Senior Assistant Director Jillo Arero attributed some of the fires to reckless motorists who discard burning cigarette butts along the Voi-Mwatate-Taveta highway, which runs through Tsavo West National Park. "Motorists have been irresponsibly tossing lit cigarettes along the road, igniting fires in the park," Arero explained. A site inspection of Tsavo West revealed that KWS has created firebreaks in an effort to curb the rapid spread of wildfires. Nevertheless, fires continue to break out frequently. "Since last year, we have been battling relentless fires across Tsavo. Every time we manage to put out one, another flares up elsewhere due to the extreme heat," said a senior KWS official. Similar blazes have been reported in private ranches and community conservancies, raising ecological concerns about the lasting impact on biodiversity. With climate change worsening and human activities exacerbating environmental degradation, conservationists warn that urgent interventions are needed to protect Kenya's fragile ecosystems.

How old myth about smoke bringing rains fuels forest fires in Taita

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