MINISTER of Green economy and environment Mike Mposha has announced that the onset of rains this year is expected to start in October in some parts of the country.
He said the rain is expected to begin from Western Province, Northern parts of Luapula, and Northwestern Province. While the start of the season for places like Central, Copperbelt, Lusaka and Southern Province including the Southern parts of Muchinga and Northern Province is likely to be the end of November 2024.
The minister said this in parliament yesterday when he delivered his ministerial statement on the 2024-2025 rainy season during the First meeting of the fourth session of the 13th national Assembly.
Despite the rains starting early in some parts, the minister said some areas such as the North, Eastern Part including Luangwa, Gwembe and Sinazongwe districts are expected to receive delayed onset which will begin by mid December this year.
Mposha said the rains are likely to continue up to March 2025 over the southern hemisphere and by the end of April over Eastern hemisphere including the Northern part of Luapula and Northern provinces.
He also shared a detailed forecast and key rainfall pattern for October and November and December, stating that most of the country is likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall.
However, the Northern districts of Eastern , Muchinga, and Luapula provinces may experience normal to below normal rainfall between this period.
“The past 2023 to 2024 rainy season was marred by a severe drought which was largely induced by El Niño conditions. This state of climate has had a devastating negative impact on Zambia’s key economical sectors and population.
“The Agriculture sector which is one of the cornerstones of our economy suffered unprecedented losses, with maize production declining by over 50 percent. This shortfall led to a food deficit affecting over 6 million people and contributing to a sharp increase in food pricing,” said Mposha.
The minister further implored members of the parliament to be the ambassadors and messengers of this focus to their constituencies to ensure that the nation is prepared and take up opportunities that will come with the good rains, and also prepare for the adverse impact that may arise during the season.
By Buumba Mwitumwa
Kalemba September 18, 2024
