El Niño dry-spell fears for 2023/24 season
Anewly-published weather report shows that Malawi is among 53 countries expected to experience El- Niño-induced dry weather this crop growing season.
In Sub Saharan Africa, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe will be the most affected as the conditions will impact cereal production.
The report published last week titled ‘El Niño to return in 2023 following a three-year La Niña phase’ was prepared by the Global Information and Early Warning System under Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
Reads the report in part: “In addition, several countries in these regions are currently suffering from economic instability, due to low economic growth, unsustainable debt levels and foreign exchange shortages, which have contributed to high inflation rates.
“In the event of a production shock, this economic instability could pose challenges for countries to increase needed imports.”
Fortunately for Malawi, the report said FAO has developed anticipatory action (AA) standard procedures to be followed in most countries at risk of being affected by El Niño in 2023/24, where food security is a major concern.
It further said FAO was also ready to implement agricultural and livelihood-based interventions, in coordination with governments and humanitarian partners, should the El Niño forecast materialise.
As a remedy, it suggests distribution of farming tools and seeds of drought-tolerant crop varieties in advance and provision of seed and animal health support.
“Rehabilitation of irrigation intakes, canals and other water points, promotion of capacity development and support to farmers on water-harvesting techniques . Developing capacity of farmers and providing support on post-harvest management and processing to minimise losses,” the report said.
In a recent interview, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale encouraged farmers in the country to embrace new farming methods to improve crop production to avert weather shocks.
This year, Malawi has been hit hard by Cyclone Freddy, which caused floods and mudslides that damaged power lines, roads, farmlands and livestock, as well as disrupted water supply and telecommunication services.
According to available data, the cyclone destroyed 204 833 hectares of crops, including maize, pigeon peas, beans, tobacco and sorghum.
The countr y has also experienced dry spells in Karonga and parts of Chitipa.
