Parts of the Southern Africa region have recorded the worst mid-season drought in more than 100 years.
The US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) NEW Southern Africa Drought Fact Sheet shows the Region has had erratic weather due to the El Niño, which has brought along drought conditions in some areas, and tropical cyclones in others, as well as flooding.
So how many droughts and rainy days have we had thus far?
Researchers at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), are working on a cutting-edge climate app for Southern Africa, to provide historical information, forecasts, early warnings, all in one.
It is expected to be ready for use in 2026.
Speaking at the Water Institute of Southern Africa Conference (WISA) on Thursday, Dr Sarah Roffe, said the app is work in progress, with stakeholders and consumer
consultation underway.
She said the app will be mostly be useful to water managers, and helpful to farmers, tourism managers and Joe Soap.
The wonder app is funded by the Water Research Commission (WRC), and once completed, will have data, maps, and all necessary information.
“We are interested to know what people would use it for and how often. So we have developed indices that can provide you with good information, such as the number of rainy days we have had at a particular period, fog and more.”
Preliminary findings of demographics of respondents thus far, show more men are likely to use the app at 55%, and 44% women.
79% of the respondents have a Postgraduate qualification.
50% of the respondents have more than 10 years of work experience. About 14% of the respondents come from the Water sector.
Roffe said the Agricultural Research Council, has other initiatives, including the Agricultural Drought Early Warning System, a complete version, very similar to what is being developed.
Are you interested in being counted as a respondent, then, please fill in this questionnaire: https://forms.gle/Gb7QkAMEYd7GxdgL6.
More on the early warnings app: https://www.drought.agric.za/
Picture: Dr Roffe at the WISA 2024 Conference