The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, are sounding the alarm over a massive invasion of quelea birds that are destroying their crops and threatening this season’s harvest.
The farmers say the birds have overrun the entire Mwea Irrigation Scheme — including Nguka, Wamumu, Karaba, Tebere, Thiba, Cumbiri, and Ndekia — feeding on rice during the day and nesting in the paddies at night.
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Many have been forced to hire people to scare away the birds, spending up to Ksh. 500 per person daily, which has significantly increased their production costs.
“I’m hiring four people every day at Ksh. 500 each to guard just one acre. This will greatly reduce my profit,” said John Mwaniki from the Thiba section.
Another farmer, John Munene, said the birds began attacking their fields in September as the rice started to mature. He accused both the Ministry of Agriculture and the county government of failing to assist farmers as they did two seasons ago, when aircraft were used to spray the birds.
Others like Jane Wangeci and Mary Mwangi say traditional methods such as scarecrows, drums, and staying in the fields all day have proven ineffective.
“The birds are not flying in from other areas — they are feeding and sleeping right here in our farms,” Mwangi explained.
The farmers are now appealing to the national and county governments to launch urgent aerial spraying operations to curb the infestation before it leads to devastating crop losses.
“If nothing is done, food security will be at risk. We need protection and support to save our livelihoods,” said farmer Pius Njogu.
