Zim Now Writer
As Southern Africa grapples with the aftermath of a severe El NiƱo-induced drought, a glimmer of hope has emerged from the latest regional weather forecast. The Southern African Development Community has predicted normal to above-normal rainfall patterns for the upcoming 2024/2025 cropping season.
This positive outlook is particularly significant given the devastating dry spells that have plagued the region in recent years. The drought has led to crop failures, food shortages, and economic hardships in countries like Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Namibia.
While the overall forecast is encouraging, the SADC weather experts have cautioned that the rainfall distribution will not be uniform across the region. Zimbabwe, parts of Zambia, Malawi, Central DRC, and Mozambique are expected to experience average to below-average rainfall during the October to December period. However, a significant improvement is anticipated in the second half of the season, with normal to above-normal rainfall predicted for most parts of the region.
The forecast has brought relief to many who rely on agriculture for their livelihoods and to countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia that depend on hydropower for electricity generation. The Zambezi River Authority, which manages water allocations for these countries, has been forced to reduce water releases due to low water levels, leading to prolonged power outages.
In response to the challenges posed by climate change, Zimbabwe has been investing in irrigation infrastructure to reduce its reliance on rainfall. This proactive approach is expected to enhance the country's resilience to future droughts and ensure a more stable food supply.
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