By Africa is one of the hardest hit continents by climate change affecting its economy and industry. Millions of people are forecasted to be affected by the El Niño induced droughts and floods.
Climate experts came under one roof during the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) 29th Southern Africa Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) in Harare, Zimbabwe from 26 to 28 August 2024 where weather patterns in the regions were discussed and finding ways to mitigate for adverse weather conditions.
The forum reflected on the past weather conditions and forecasted and preparing for the upcoming rainfall season for 2024/25. SARCOF met in Zimbabwe, a country that announced earlier this year that the country is facing serious food insecurity whereby six million of its population are food insecure.
According to Ms. Mapolao Mokoena, the SADC Director of Infrastructure, the SADC region is able to forecast the weather and respond accordingly due to the important role the SARCOF is playing by utilising practical scientific tools and methods to deliver seasonal forecasts.
Though SARCOF is effective in its work in assisting the diverse industries and sectors in health, energy, water food security to make informed decisions; Mokoena painted a rather disheartening picture within the region, which showed that food insecurity is increasing.
Climate change and drought is a concerning reality in SADC, as such, a humanitarian appeal of US$5.5 billion was made in May 2024 by the SADC Summit of Heads of State and Government aimed to provide support to more than 61 million people affected by the El Niño-induced Drought and Floods.
Mapolao Mokoena said the region is being battered by continued widespread drought conditions, with delayed onset of rains, prolonged dry spells, and extreme high temperatures resulting in heat-wave conditions.
She said food insecurity levels have reached a concerning 17.1%, affecting approximately 67.7 million people, compared to 57.1 million in 2023.
The forum was attended by Climate Experts, including Permanent Representatives from SADC Member States with the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), climate scientists, researchers, representatives from the water, energy, food and socio-economic sectors, disaster risk management experts, national meteorological and hydrological services and development partners.
The SACORF functions as an early warning system for member states of SADC so that they can make the necessary steps to prepare for whatever weather eventuality.
