The Southern African region needs “above average” rains over the next few weeks to eliminate early season moisture deficits in agricultural zones that include the maize triangle of South Africa, Botswana and the Indian Ocean coastal areas of Madagascar. In a rainfall pattern analysis published in the 1 to 7…
Seasonal outlooks show that South African farmers can expect a midsummer dry spell, despite an expected weak La Niña phenomenon. Southern Africa can still expect a weak La Niña phenomenon this summer. This usually means that most of the summer rainfall regions can expect above average rainfall, says prof. Willem Landman…
According to a report issued by the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD), most parts of Zambia are likely to receive normal to higher than normal rainfall during the 2017/’18 season. Normal rainfall is expected for most parts of the country except the eastern parts, which may receive normal to below normal…
The Zambian government has released K115 million to salvage more than 80 000 tons of maize that transporters refuse to ferry because of money owed to them. Concerns about possible damage to the crop are escalating, after the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) forecast heavy rains for this weekend. “The money…
Many farmers are worried after rain lashed parts of Zambia, but the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD) has advised farmers not to rush into planting. ZMD said the rain experienced in parts of the country over the weekend and early this week will subside over the next few days. “The rains…
There is an increased chance of La Niña conditions developing during the remaining spring months and summer, predictions from the US Climate Prediction Centre show. According to the latest El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) diagnostic discussion issued by the CPC, predictions show that a La Niña system can form as early…
South Africa has moved out of recession and returned to growth. It was driven by a growth in agriculture production after recovering from the worst drought in years. The Financial Times reports that agriculture added 0.7 percentage points to the overall growth of 2.5% the economy experienced in the second…
According to the latest climate outlook model, chances are slimming that the El Niño will be revived in the next few months. At the middle of July, the ocean temperatures in the tropical part of the Pacific Ocean, indicated El Niño or La Niña in a neutral phase. Ocean temperatures…
A rebound in grain production and improved livestock conditions means food security is recovering in Southern Africa, the FAO said. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Southern Africa is expected to produce 34.6 million tons of grain in 2017 mostly thanks to wetter conditions in the…
Your monthly update of African markets. Most maize producing countries are at the end of their growing season and the prospects for good harvests looks promising despite the invasion of the fall armyworm. Zambia The Zambian maize harvest is expected to recover in 2016/’17 after smaller harvests in the past…
It is the end of the rainy season, and some farmers have to turn to irrigation to supply their crops with enough water. It is essential to plan carefully before installing or even buying an irrigation system. There are 6 factors to consider, in order to make decisions about how to…
The drier conditions experienced over large parts of southern Africa mean the summer rainfall season is at its end. According to the American weather service – the Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) – an analysis of the cumulative rain over the past thirty days indicates widespread, moderate to large deficits throughout…
The food baskets of the region are set to fill up thanks to above average rainfall in most parts of member countries of the Southern African Development Community, despite the presence of threatening pests. According to the latest SADC quarterly food security update, the regional food security situation for the…
Cyclone Dineo has passed, but above average rain is still expected for most of Southern Africa in the next few days. “Heavy rainfall looks like it will be a big story again for the outlook period between 23 February and 1 March. Enhanced rain, possibly more than 100mm is forecast…
In large parts of the central interior available grazing material is scare on veld (natural pasture). Prospects for improvement of the poor grazing conditions in the remaining part of summer and winter are not favourable. In addition to current poor grazing conditions, low levels of water in the soil during…
The chances of La Niña, bringing above average rainfall to parts of southern Africa, are diminishing as the season grows older. “Our weak La Niña continues, but it’s on its last legs and probably won’t be around for much longer,” said Tony Barnston, chief forecaster at the International Research Institute…
The recurring drought in Southern Africa was most likely at its end since rainfall predictions for the region was normal. Reports from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology indicated that the probability for either La Niña or El Niño conditions for the next few months was neutral. Although earlier predictions indicated…
Better use of technologies could help African farmers counter the negative effects of a changing climate. Using climate and crop growth models, researchers from the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (Icrisat) found that African and Asian small-holder farmers would be able to increase food production by improving fertiliser…
The first rains have fallen signalling the start of the rainy season and the Zambian Meteorological Department has cautioned farmers, country-wide, to prepare for above average rainfall. In the north-eastern regions average rainfall patterns are forecast for October, November and December but rain is expected to be above average for…
