adminregions into which the country was divided for determining crop and livestock varieties
Zimbabwe is divided into five agro ecological regions, also known as Natural Regions with rainfall patterns and crop production progressively deteriorating from Region I, which covers approximately 2 percent of the land area, to Region V. While it cannot be denied that change has occurred sparked by climate change, the debate is on the extent of the change, impact and possible solutions.
Former Meteorological Services Department deputy director and now Coping with Drought and Climate Change project manager Dr Leonard Unganai said the description of farming regions should be revisited as the vulnerability of farmers has increased due to changes in rainfall patterns.
“Every region is experiencing changes, thus continuous research is needed after a certain period in order to guide farmers accordingly,” he said.
Dr Unganai said the issue of farming regions was now a moving target that required continuous inquest, adding flora might not be affected although some species might disappear.
“All relevant stakeholders must be involved in crop based research to find what is suitable in each region in order to embrace existing technology to assist farmers adapt and have better livelihoods,” he said.
Many farmers are still sticking to traditional seed varieties that are no longer suitable in the wake of climate change resulting in food shortages in some parts of the country. Seed houses and agricultural extension workers are also still advising farmers basing on the 1960 map which has proved costly to the country’s food security.
Over the past decade the Government spent large amounts of money importing food as production declined due to poor seasons associated with changes in climate.
Zimbabwe Farmers Union operations manager Ms Theresa Makomva urged the Government to carry out research to determine the relevance of the farming natural regions today. She urged the
Government to set up more weather stations, as the existing ones were not evenly distributed in light of changes in rainfall patterns.
In some cases farmers refuse advice preferring to continue cultivating traditional crops despite poor results while others have embarked on projects like fish farming, crocodile farming, and livestock production in case crops failed. Meteorological Services Department director Dr Amos Makarau said a multi-sectoral approach was required to revise the natural farming regions. – New Ziana.
“Definitely boundaries have changed and we need to engage research institutions and all stakeholders to redefine the agro-ecological zones to see if the recommended agricultural activities are still suitable,” he said.
Over the past few years the country has been experiencing long mid-season dry spells, drought, floods and other extreme weather conditions resulting in some parts of the country experiencing serious food deficit, a clear testimony of change of weather patterns.
Dr Makarau said that with climate change emerging as the biggest threat to mankind, scientific and traditional knowledge should be mixed to chat the way forward.
National Climate Change coordinator Mr Washington Zhakata said an in depth assessment of the effects of climate change was necessary.
“Climate change is real although some people may want to down play it calling it climate variation. Revisiting the agro-ecological season is vital,” he said. – New Ziana
Online Reporter