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Mutsawashe Mashandure
Herald Correspondent
SADC member states must collectively assess regional climate trends to adequately prepare, not only for the present but also the future and insulate against possible disasters, Environment, Climate and Wildlife Permanent Secretary Professor Prosper Matondi said.
Speaking at the Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SACORF) in Harare on Monday, Dr Matondi, in a speech read on his behalf by the director of Zimbabwe Meteorological Services, Mrs Rebecca Manzhou, said climate forecasting is critical for both food security and economic development.
The meeting brought together delegates from the 16 SADC member states and other key stakeholders to discuss strategies for the upcoming summer rainfall season.’
“The forum enables us to collectively assess climate trends, develop informed projections, and develop a product that is crucial for planning purposes in various sectors of our economies. This process enables us to strengthen the models that we are using and ensures that capacity building is continuous to cater for the changes in the environment,” he said.
Prof Matondi said the forum focused on humanitarian anticipatory programmes that will reduce the impact of adverse weather patterns before they occur.
“The seasonal forecast as an important tool will not only guide our national plans for the agricultural season but also for other sectors such as the water management sector, the health sector, as well as the disaster management sector”, he said.
Further to this it will also contribute to regional and global efforts in humanitarian anticipatory action programming to reduce likely impacts from extreme climate events before they occur, he said.
Prof Matondi acknowledged the recent challenges posed by an El Nino-induced drought that affected many SADC member states.
“This has built confidence in us as users of your information, and I would like to congratulate you for a job well done, although the consequences were not so pleasing,” he said.
He called for SADC members to share notes on climate change. I urge each of you as SADC member states to actively engage in the discussions, share your insights and experiences on the work ahead of you, and forge partnerships that transcend borders, as weather knows no boundaries,” he said.
By leveraging our collective knowledge and experiences, we can develop an improved forecast product that will be acceptable to all sectors that use our products in our different states, he said.
Prof Matondi called on participants to explore Zimbabwe’s renowned tourism offerings during their stay.
I therefore hope that in between your very busy schedule, you can find time to sample some of our prestigious tourist places in the sunshine city, he said.
Speaking at the same event Mrs Manzou said experts’ discussions on climate change will enhance farmers’ ability to plan ahead.
I hope this meeting will inform farmers so that they will plan in terms of farming methods. They will know that if there is not enough rain, they will have to use irrigation .
Mrs Manzou urged farmers to consult Agritex offices on measures to take to minimise the impact of droughts.
It is important for farmers to engage with Agritex officers to guide them on which crops to grow. Because sometimes, as farmers, you may not know what tomorrow might be. So sometimes following instructions can ensure better yields, she said.
Online Reporter