Persistent Dryness in Parts Of Zimbabwe Despite Heavy Rains In January

By Ndatenda Njanike (Press and Communications Officer)

THE Effects of climate change continue to be felt in some parts of Zimbabwe as ravaging droughts have hit hard due to the lack of rains despite heavy rains witnessed in some parts of the country.

In January this year most southern, northern, and western parts of the have experienced dry spells since December according to Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET):

“In January, most southern, eastern, and western areas experienced prolonged dry spells, resulting in moisture stress mainly for crops in the late vegetative and early reproductive growth stages.

“This dryness compounded dry spells experienced from mid-to-late December, with a potential reduction in cropped areas.

“ In northern Zimbabwe, well-distributed and normal to above-normal rainfall in January is improving crop conditions, but general fertilizer access is limited for some farmers, which, if it persists, may eventually reduce potential yields in some of these typical surplus-producing areas.

“Additionally, the harvesting and curing of dryland tobacco have begun, with the curing of the irrigated crop reportedly almost complete.

The effects of climate change are not isolated to human beings only to Zimbabwe. Across the nation, national parks that are home to myriad wildlife species such as lions, elephants, and buffaloes are increasingly threatened by below-average rainfall and new infrastructure projects.

Authorities and experts say the drought has seriously threatened species like rhinos, giraffes, and antelope as it reduces the amount of food available.

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