The Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has issued advice for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate the impact of inadequate rainfall expected during the cropping season. Mrs Francisca Martey, Deputy Director of Research and Applied Meteorology at GMet emphasized the importance of practices like mulching to conserve soil water and planting drought-tolerant crop varieties to ensure crop survival during dry spells.
Mrs Martey, speaking at the Regional Climate Outlook forum, highlighted the significance of GMet's forecast in guiding farmers to sow at the appropriate times. The forum, part of the 2024 Edition, aimed to provide crucial agro-hydro-climate information to enhance food security and mitigate disaster risks.
In addition to sustainable agriculture practices, Mrs Martey advised farmers to diversify income-generating activities such as beekeeping and soap-making to offset potential production deficits caused by dry spells.
The forecast predicts an early cessation of rainfall across the southern half of Ghana, with longer dry spells toward the end of the season. Flash floods may occur during the peak of the season, particularly in low-lying areas and built-up places along waterways.
To mitigate flood risks, Mrs Martey urged local authorities and emergency preparedness agencies to raise awareness and ensure proper drainage maintenance before the onset of rains.
Eric Asuman, Director-General of GMet, announced plans to issue daily, weekly, and seasonal forecasts, including nowcasts, with support from global partners. This initiative aims to engage stakeholders, especially decision-makers, in incorporating climate information into their planning processes to enhance disaster preparedness and socioeconomic development.
Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, Minister for Communications and Digitalization, emphasized the urgent need for action against climate change, which not only impacts national economies but also the livelihoods of vulnerable communities.
Regarding the subregional forecast, experts predict below-average to average rainfall in coastal areas of Côte d'Ivoire, southwestern Ghana, and southeastern Liberia for the March-April-May and April-May-June periods. Conversely, rainfall is expected to be average to above average in southern and central Guinea, northern Liberia, southeastern Ghana, southern parts of Togo, Benin, and Nigeria.
The forecast also anticipates late to normal starting dates for rainfall in southern Gulf of Guinea countries and early to average ending dates in the bimodal zone of eastern Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and western Nigeria.