Is it another drought?

By NATION REPORTER

WEATHER forecasts suggest that Zambia may experience another drought which could plunge the nation in more power cuts and poor crop yields leading to hunger and deeper economic woes especially for small and medium enterprises.

And Scope Zambia national coordinator Henry Chibutu has warned of an impending heatwave and below-average rainfall in the country.
The Meteorological Department has warned that Zambians should brace themselves for dry conditions in the next 10 days especially in Lusaka, Central, Southern and Western provinces.
Edson Nkonde, the Director at the Meteorological Department has however assured the nation that the country will ‘definitely’ have normal rains for the 2024/2025 farming season.
He however cautioned that the country would experience little or no rain with temperatures going up to 38 degrees celcius and thus advised people in acted areas to be hydrated.
Mr Nkonde also advised the Ministry of Health to intensify disease surveillance especially in high density areas.
“Farmers and people in general should not worry but instead seek updated information from the Meteorological Department which is working in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture,” he said.
The agro meteorological bulletin is indicating that soil moisture will be insufficient in most parts of the country.
The forecast further indicate drier than normal weather conditions with farmers being advised to delay planting rain-dependent crops.
Mr Nkonde has however explained that the country shall experience high temperatures and dry spells.
But Scope Zambia coordinator Hanry Chibutu has warned according to the data collected so far, there are worries that the country may not receive the above-average rainfall as was anticipated.
According to Mr Chibutu, the rains were expected to start in the week of December 20 and continue until the third week of January, followed by a dry spell and eventual end of the rain season in March.
“Zambia and the region can expect a heatwave with temperatures ranging from 37-40 degrees Celsius, leading to high levels of dehydration, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions,” Mr Chibutu said.
He stated that the northern region of Zambia was expected to receive normal to above-average rainfall, with the rain belt shifting upwards towards the northern and northwestern regions of the country.
Mr Chuibutu said that in light of the forecast, SCOPE Zambia was urging farmers to take proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We recommend that farmers grow drought-resistant crop varieties such as millet, sorghum, and cassava. Additionally, we encourage farmers to diversify their diets and add nutritious local crops to their meals,” Mr Chibutu said.
The organisation also strongly discourages mono-cropping and instead recommends intercropping, which offers benefits such as increased soil fertility and a fallback in case of crop failure, thereby ensuring food security at the household level.
“We also encourage farmers to invest in irrigation technology and not rely solely on rain for their production. The recent government move to remove duty on solar equipment such as irrigation kits is commended, and farmers are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to increase and secure their production,” he said.