Climate

The basic climate is described as highland equatorial rainfall with two seasons corresponding the twice yearly inter-tropical convergence of northern and southern air masses. The natural vegetation resulting from the climate is highland forest degenerating into desert shrubs at lower altitudes where the rainfall is reduced. The high rainfall areas with moderate altitude are cereal production and mixed dairy farming area. The high altitude areas with natural zones of highland forest are the cash crop areas.

Agricultural Activities

One third of the population in the North Rift live in an area where farming is beyond subsistence, one third are mixed small scale farmers and the remaining one third are pure pastoralists who practice nomadic farming. The North Rift has a variety of ethnic groups, diverse political and socio-economic dynamics.

Other economic activities include:

•  Tea and sugarcane farming in Nandi South
•  Tea farming in parts of Nandi North and Trans Nzoia,
•  Milk production and maize farming in all highland districts
•  Beekeeping and sale of fruits along Kerio valley and West Pokot
•  Sale of livestock from pastoral districts
•  Maize farming in all highland districts