Abstract:
The recent 2015/16 summer rainfall season in the terrestrial Southern African
Development Community (SADC) region appears to be the most severe since the droughts
of the early 1980s and 1990s; with well-publicized significant impacts on agriculture and
food security. Impacts have been particularly concerning since the 2015/6 season followed
a poor rainy season in 2014/15, in certain areas compounding already compromised production
(total maize production was, for example, down 40% relative to the previous 5 year
average). This paper reviews climate forecasts and observations of the two seasons, and
presents examples of the resulting impacts on agriculture within the region. We conclude
by considering what may be learnt from this experience, focussing on operational recommendations
for early warning within SADC, as well as longstanding needs for awareness
raising and capacity building.
