This is due to International Research Institute for Climate Change and Society at Columbia University forecasting a probability of over 50% for the occurrence of La Niña.  

These weather patterns typically bring above-average rainfall, offering hope for the region’s farmers.

Thabile Nkunjana, Senior Economist at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, notes that while this season’s rainfall is already better than last year’s, some areas may still face lower recovery rates due to delayed planting. Although the rains arrived later than expected, farmers remain hopeful that the forecasted rains, which are predicted to last until March, will positively impact crop production.

However, Nkunjana cautions that while higher rainfall is beneficial for farmers, it can drive up prices, posing challenges for consumers, particularly those from lower-income households. He also highlights the risk of flooding if the rains exceed expectations, citing recent devastation in Malawi and Mozambique as a reminder of the potential negative consequences.

Despite these uncertainties, the agricultural sector remains hopeful for a better season, with recovery in crop yields and livestock grazing anticipated. However, nature’s unpredictability continues to be a concern, with all eyes on how the weather patterns will unfold in the coming months.

--ChannelAfrica--