Malawi braces for normal to below normal rainfall in next season
Malawi is bracing itself for the upcoming rainy season, with government agencies and farmers taking proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with varying rainfall patterns.
LILONGWE, Malawi — The Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services unveiled its national 2023–2024 seasonal forecast on September 25, 2023, indicating a high likelihood of normal to below-normal rainfall amounts across Malawi, writes Esther Banda.
Lucy Mtilatila, the Director of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, presented the forecast at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe.
She explained that the forecast is divided into two parts: "October, November, December" and "January, February, March."
"In the first part, it appears that most parts of the country will experience normal to above-normal rainfall conditions, although there is a possibility of below-normal rainfall, especially in November," Mtilatila said.
"In the second part, the likelihood of normal to below-normal rainfall conditions is very high, particularly in February."
Mtilatila encouraged users from various sectors, including Agriculture, Disaster Management, Energy, and Water, to seek guidance from relevant ministries to apply the forecast effectively in their respective fields.
She also advised farmers to refer to district forecasts for specific information on planting rains.
"It's challenging to pinpoint the exact date for planting rains because it varies across different districts," she noted.
Mtilatila suggested that farmers consult the Ministry of Agriculture for a better understanding of water requirements for different crops.
Rev. Moses Owen Chimphepo, the director of Preparedness and Response at the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), outlined their plans for the upcoming season.
"We will conduct scenarios and analysis to identify major hazards that might occur during the next season and devise appropriate response strategies," he stated.
Chimphepo emphasized that the DoDMA has developed guidelines known as "Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management" to integrate disaster preparedness into national planning and budgeting processes.
This approach aims to enhance preparedness and ultimately save lives and property.
Kefasi Kamoyo, Principal Land Resources Conservation at the Department of Land Resources Conservation in the Ministry of Agriculture, encouraged farmers nationwide to implement soil and water conservation measures.
He also advocated for the adoption of climate-smart agricultural practises, including the use of compost and manure.
Malawi is bracing itself for the upcoming rainy season, with government agencies and farmers taking proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with varying rainfall patterns.