KEY POINTS

• Zimbabwe farmers urged to plant drought-tolerant seeds.

• Early-maturing varieties could help reduce losses during dry spells.

• El Niño-related rainfall uncertainty increases the need for climate-smart farming.

Farmers in Zimbabwe have been urged to prioritise drought-tolerant and early-maturing seed varieties as the threat of El Niño-related rainfall disruptions raises concerns about prolonged dry spells across the country and southern Africa.

The recommendation comes amid growing calls for climate-smart agricultural practices to help farmers adapt to changing weather conditions, protect crop yields and reduce the risk of food shortages.

El Niño is a climate phenomenon associated with warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean. It can influence global weather patterns and is often associated with below-average rainfall and extended dry conditions in southern Africa, including Zimbabwe.

The expected rainfall variability could leave farmers exposed to prolonged dry spells, making the selection of suitable seed varieties increasingly important.

Farmers have therefore been encouraged to choose seeds based on the conditions of their respective agro-ecological regions rather than relying on varieties that may not perform well under water-stressed conditions.

Early-maturing varieties could reduce crop losses

Drought-tolerant seeds are designed to withstand limited water availability, while early-maturing varieties allow crops to complete their growing cycles within shorter periods.

Prioritising these varieties could help farmers reduce their exposure to prolonged dry spells, particularly where rainfall is inconsistent or the planting season is shortened.

The emphasis on climate-smart seed selection also reflects the need for agricultural practices that respond to local environmental conditions and improve resilience to climate-related risks.

Climate-smart agriculture gains importance

The warning reinforces the importance of adapting farming practices to changing weather patterns in Zimbabwe and the wider southern African region.

Careful seed selection, particularly the use of varieties suited to local agro-ecological conditions, is considered an important part of preparing farmers for uncertain rainfall patterns.

However, the Zimbabwe Independent report provided limited additional details on specific seed varieties, regional recommendations or the expected scale of the rainfall disruption.