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SADC Regional Early Warning Bulletin on the 2018/19 Southern Africa Rainfall Season (August 2018)

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SADC
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Executive summary

Many SADC Member States recorded normal to above-normal rainfall during the 2017/18 rainfall season, as predicted by the SADC Climate Services Centre (CSC) in August 2017 at the 21st Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-21). In contrast, the approaching October 2018 - March 2019 rainfall season is forecasted to be normal to below-normal throughout the season over most of the region.

During SARCOF-22, which took place in Lusaka, Zambia in August 2018, the community of climate information users discussed and formulated mitigation measures for the sectors of Agriculture and Food Security; Water and Energy; Livestock; Disaster Risk Management; Health; and Early Warning and Conflict.

The forecast presents a concern for agriculture. Districts affected by dry conditions will require the optimal use of available resources to safeguard agricultural production. Recommendations include:

• Diversify crop production with drought- and disease-tolerant crops; early maturing crops; and high-yield varieties;

• Make available agricultural inputs to farmers before the onset of the rains;

• Employ water conservation and harvesting techniques for improved accessibility and availability;

• Adopt staggered planting dates for crops;

• Increase investment in irrigation; and • Employ post-harvest techniques to avoid loses.

The sector(s) of Water and Energy should see normal to below-normal river flows. Recommended mitigation measures include:

• Prioritize the charging of depleted reservoirs;

• Undertake a simulation exercise to test water allocation guidelines;

• Develop water management scenarios; and • Continue with the importation of power and expedite the completion of internal power projects.

Regarding Disaster risk reduction (DRR), the worse-case scenario will be uneven rainfall with sudden heavy rains that can lead to flooding, displacement, destruction of property and infrastructure, and loss of life. In such a situation, access to basic social services could be disrupted, including to schools, health facilities and markets. Affected areas may also face outbreaks of water- and vector-borne diseases.

The key recommendation is that prevention is better than cure. It also contributes to resilience-building. Planning for extreme events is an essential way forward for all SADC Member States to implement mitigation and adaptation measures.