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Chenai Museta
FARMERS in SADC are anxiously waiting for the outcome of the ongoing climate experts meeting to get guidance on the nature of the 2024/25 farming season following initial predictions of a La Nina.
La Nina weather phenomenon is expected to bring above average rainfall.
Climate experts from across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) are currently gathered for the regional climate experts meeting being hosted by Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife. The meeting aims to develop a seasonal rainfall forecast for the upcoming 2024/25 cycle, which could determine the success or failure of the season for millions across the region.
Permanent secretary for Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Professor Prosper Matondi, highlighted the importance of the meeting in his opening address, emphasising the need for accurate and timely forecasts to guide planning across various sectors in light of the increasing impacts of climate variability and change in the region.
In a separate interview, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Fisheries, and Rural Development permanent secretary, Professor Obert Jiri, underscored the importance of accurate forecasts for the agriculture sector.
“For agriculture, the climate experts meeting is very important. Farmers require accurate and timely knowledge on when the rain season starts and what the quality of the season will be. This enables planning on what crops to grow, where, and when, and also assists farmers in making the necessary preparations,” he said.
Professor Jiri further emphasised the importance of preparedness adding that luck favoured those adequately prepared, hence the need for farmers to prepare accordingly.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Integrated Commercial Farmers Union (ZICFU) president, Mrs Mayiwepi Jiti expressed confidence the meeting would come up with accurate weather predictions, shared climate trends forecasts and their implications on planning ahead.
“Our hope is that the SADC regional climate experts meeting will provide a platform for thorough research on weather patterns and ways of mitigating them. We believe that the outcome of the meeting will directly affect us,” Mrs Jiti said.
She added that climate-smart practices were not only the responsibility of climate experts but a joint effort that required farmers to also participate.
“It is important for farmers to participate adopt climate-smart practices and protect of our environment. We should avoid starting unnecessary fires and cutting down trees, which is contributing to desertification and weather changes,” Mrs Jiti explained.
The meeting comes on the backdrop of an El Niño-induced drought that affected most SADC member states last season. The experts, who accurately predicted last season’s drought are looking to build on this success to further strengthen their forecasting models. This is particularly crucial for farmers who are still recovering from the drought’s devastating impact.
The forecast that will come from the meeting will be a vital tool in enabling farmers to make informed decisions about their crop options, planting schedules and resource management.
Online Reporter