Farmers in Kisumu Appeal for Help as Monkeys Destroy Crops
Farmers in Ratta, Seme, Kisumu County, are pleading for urgent government help after aggressive monkeys destroyed their crops. The community now faces rising food insecurity as the raids intensify.
Residents Raise Alarm Over Persistent Monkey Invasions
Residents reported the menace on Tuesday, December 9. They said the attacks had continued for months. Consequently, many farmers recorded heavy losses that sharply reduced their harvests.
One farmer said the monkeys consumed almost everything. He added that he may lack food by January.
“I planted maize in two farms. However, I will not store any. The monkeys ate everything,” he said.
Monkeys Grow Bolder and More Aggressive
They explained that the monkeys had become bolder. At times, the animals even attacked dogs guarding the farms.
Another farmer said the primates raided her home and ate cassava meant for her children.
“My children went to school hungry,” she said.
Farmers Spend Long Hours Guarding Their Farms
Because of the invasions, many farmers now spend long hours in their fields. This trend mirrors other affected regions where families abandoned daily routines to protect their crops.
They used slingshots, catapults, dogs, and rattling metal tins. They also tried chilli walls. However, these methods only provided temporary relief.
Appeals for Help Remain Unanswered
Residents said they had contacted local leaders without success. Moreover, attempts to reach the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) went unanswered. As a result, they lacked official support or compensation.
Similar Invasions Reported in Other Regions
Similar cases were reported in Homa Bay County near Ruma National Park. Villages such as Ngoya faced years of invasions linked to habitat loss and climate stress.
Studies show primates cause up to 96% of crop-raiding incidents. Farmers in Ratta now face similar destructive patterns.
Farmers Seek Relief Food and Government Action
They are appealing for immediate relief food as families struggle to cope. Additionally, they urge the government to address the growing monkey menace.
