Luanar scientists tip govt on El Nino

Centre for Agriculture Research and Development (Card), a think-tank based at Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar), has developed a 10-point strategy to help Malawi mitigate the impact of the anticipated El Nino-induced drought.

The move follows a Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (MET) forecast which indicates that for the agricultural season starting October 2023 to April 2024, the country will experience normal to below normal rainfall with dry spells expected in most parts.

In a policy brief dated October 24 2023, Card has developed what it calls “10 complementary recommendations” to the government for implementation to avert the anticipated El Nino shocks.

The brief indicates that maize production is expected to reduce by 16.5 percent, a development likely to aggravate the hunger situation in the country.

In an interview at the weekend, Card lead director and researcher Dr. Innocent Phangaphanga said as a think-tank, they thought of adding more solutions to help mitigate the El-Nino shocks, adding that as a university, they see the Mid-Year Budget Review as an opportunity to re-strategise and re-allocate resources to strengthen the El Nino preparedness.

He said: “As a country, we must prepare for the upcoming El Nino. The policy brief by Card provides evidence to inform policyholders and makers to reflect on the potential impact and be proactive in implementing strategies to minimise the effect of the El Nino weather.”

Phangaphanga suggested more investment towards mega and anchor farm initiatives, as well as irrigation and water harvesting technologies, like the which President Lazarus Chakwera recently launched in Nkhata Bay.

On the Affordable Inputs Programme (AIP), Card suggests that it should be conditioned on conservation agriculture practices and, in other parts, provision of drought tolerant livestock.

But the policy brief, on cash transfer interventions to other vulnerable households, suggests an investment in climate smart productive works programme, especially for households with labour to augment their power to buy food grains on the market.

The brief acknowledges that Malawi has progressive policies and strategies but implementation is an issue.

In a separate interview, Minister of Agriculture Sam Kawale said government is already doing most of what has been proposed in view of the El Nino.

He said there is an intensified extension campaign and farmers are encouraged to plant early maturing and drought tolerant crops, among other interventions.

 “All these are what we are already doing. They got that information from us,” said Kawale.

The policy brief: The 2023/2024 El Nino: Uncertainties and Opportunities for the 2023-2024 agriculture seasons is a product of experts from Luanar.