Gambia: Gambia Predicts Above Regular Rainfall in 2024

The Division of Water Sources beneath the Ministry of Fisheries, Water Sources and Nationwide Meeting Issues has predicted above regular rainfall within the upcoming wet season.

“The anticipated rainfall quantity over the nation is predicted very more likely to be above common to probably common rainfall for the interval of July-August-September (JAS) over The Gambia,” the Division states in a press release launched over the weekend.

“The interpretation of meaning the nation’s common is anticipated to have rainfall of equal to or greater than 1000mm within the western sector of the nation. Quantities within the vary of 750 – 950mm are probably over the remainder of the nation.”

“The anticipated ‘2024 rainfall values would due to this fact be above regular over giant areas of the nation. The most recent figures point out a forty five% probability of above regular rainfall, 35% probability of near-normal rainfall and 20% probability for under regular rainfall. Put in less complicated phrases, which means that the possibility of getting above regular rainfall is increased than the possibility of getting regular rainfall.”

It additional indicated that the 2024 rainfall season is anticipated to endure extra variability than the 2023 season with occasions equivalent to early to regular onset, occasional flash flooding, late or regular withdrawal of rains and quick to common dry spells initially of the rain season.

“The start of the farming season (onset) in an agrarian financial system like in The Gambia, the place rain-fed agriculture is predominant, rainfall onset for the graduation of farming season is essential.”

“It impacts institution of crops, agricultural manufacturing and subsequently, nationwide economies. Failure within the well timed institution of rainfall onset normally impacts farmers. It’s important that, after a given date, the rain will turn into pretty steady and ample to supply enough soil moisture for and after planting is maintained because the season advances for profitable institution of crops,” it famous.

The assertion additionally indicated that in 2024, The Gambia is anticipated to see rainfall onset between ninth June and fifteenth June.

“These dates are anticipated to be usually early by as much as 2 weeks over giant elements of the nation. Even handed use of those predictions in planning agricultural actions will result in secure sowing and enhanced crop and meals manufacturing. This data must be extensively obtainable to extension providers and businesses which have the accountability of advising farmers on acceptable time of planting and varieties to be planted,” it said.

In view of the widely moist nature anticipated of the 2024 wet season, meteorologists advisable farmers, herders, water useful resource managers, initiatives, and authorities to take a position extra in high-yielding crops tolerant of moist situations equivalent to rice, sugar cane, tubers amongst others.

It added that there’s a want for “growth of irrigated crops, notably within the floodplains of the River Gambia, whereas caring for the dangers of flooding; arrange programs for the gathering and conservation of runoff water for agricultural and home makes use of within the dry season.”

“Help the deployment of climate-smart strategies to extend crop and fodder yields, particularly these associated to extra rainwater; strengthen the data, supervision and agro-hydro-meteorological help programs to farmers; facilitate farmers entry to improved seeds and agricultural inputs tailored to their wants; prioritise excessive land areas for planting notably areas alongside the River Gambia.”