SADC SARCOF-29 forecasts urgent climate actions for Southern Africa amid drought and food insecurity
Peter Moyo
HARARE-The Southern African Development Community (SADC) gathered climate experts and stakeholders in Harare from August 26-28, 2024, for the 29th Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF-29). As Southern Africa grapples with severe drought and escalating food insecurity, SARCOF-29 delivered a critical forecast for the upcoming rainy season, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced climate services amid unprecedented challenges from erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry spells.
The biannual forum plays a crucial role in analyzing climate variability, reviewing past rainfall performance, and forecasting future conditions. This year’s theme, “At the Frontline of Climate Action Towards Improved Climate Services in the SADC Region,” underscores the urgency of bolstering national meteorological and hydrological services to effectively address climate challenges.
Dr. Sithembiso G.G. Nyoni, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, emphasized SARCOF’s importance in shaping regional seasonal rainfall forecasts. “These projections are essential for SADC Member States to make informed decisions across all sectors,” Dr. Nyoni said, urging experts to refine forecasts by including parameters such as rainfall onset and cessation, and the anticipated length of dry spells.
SARCOF-29 also addressed the severe impact of recent climate events on the region. Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, SADC Director of Infrastructure, noted that the 2023/2024 period saw a significant humanitarian crisis, with a $5.5 billion appeal launched to aid over 61 million people affected by El Niño-induced drought and floods. Despite this, the region continues to suffer from widespread drought, delayed rains, and high temperatures, pushing food insecurity levels to 17.1%, affecting approximately 67.7 million people.
The forum highlighted the role of advanced climate forecasting tools in supporting decision-making across sectors such as health, energy, water, and food security. Ms. Mokoena praised the efforts of cooperating partners and the Regional User Interface Platforms (UIP) for their role in facilitating dialogue between climate experts and sectoral users.
European Union representative Mr. Tebogo Matlhare reiterated the EU’s commitment to the region through the ClimSA Programme. This initiative, funded by the European Union and the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS), aims to enhance climate services and build resilience against climate risks.
The forum concluded with the release of the seasonal rainfall forecast for October 2024 to March 2025, providing crucial information for planning and response strategies in the face of ongoing climate challenges.
