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Farmers are expected to Maximize Early Farming Stages Amid Continued Precipitation Increase
Last month witnessed extreme temperatures nationwide, impacting agricultural activities. Towards the latter half of the month, precipitation began to emerge, particularly intensifying in central highlands, and Southern upland areas. This development could potentially enhance the commencement of the farming season, although the earlier high temperatures may have added strain to agricultural livelihoods.
High Temperatures Alert: Temperatures are forecasted to remain consistently high during the current dekad, reaching around 44 degrees Celsius at the peaks. This pattern is likely to be recurrent in Governorates, such as Hadramaut, Al Maharah, and Lahj. As the dekad progresses, a gradual decline in temperatures is anticipated, setting the stage for favorable conditions to the agricultural season across the country's primary agro-ecological zones.
Rise in Rainfall: Projected rainfall is set to increase throughout the country, with the bulk of the expected precipitation— ranging from 20 to 40 mm—forecasted for Ibb, Dhamar, Al Dhale’e, Al Bayda, and Lahj governorates. The highest expected amounts, between 40 to 60 mm, are likely to occur in Lahj and Al Bayda governorates. Desertic eastern governorates, as well as other central highlands and Socotra, are expected to receive lighter precipitation in the range of 1 to 10 mm.
The forecasted rise in precipitation is expected to create favorable conditions for farming activities during the ongoing planting season, particularly helping germination and early growth stages. Moreover, the predicted temperature conditions are likely to support crop germination and soil moisture levels, facilitating optimal agricultural season progress. Alerts concerning extreme temperatures are anticipated to impact governorates, such as Lahj, Taizz, Al Hudaydah, and the coastal and interior areas of Hadramaut, with a particular focus on protecting the significant agricultural assets present in those areas (Fig. 1).
It is essential to enhance and expand early warning information dissemination to farmers and poultry breeders, enabling them to better manage their operations with consideration of weather forecasts. This information is facilitated by national authorities with support from FAO and other partners.