Agrometeorology

The purpose of the Agromet Section is to support and provide advisories to agricultural production and food security activities in the country. The Section assists stakeholders in provision of meteorological and related services to the agricultural community to help develop sustainable and economically viable agricultural systems, improve production and quality, reduce losses and risks, labour and energy, and decrease costs. Although sometimes combined, climate information is used mainly for planning purposes, while recent weather data and weather forecasts are used mostly in current agricultural operations.

Objective

To foster a better understanding by farmers and other end-users in the agricultural, forestry and related sectors of the value and use of meteorological (including climatological) information in planning and operational activities, and to promote economically sustainable and environment-friendly viable and high quality production.  

Activities:

a)      In the beginning of the major cropping season (summer), the Division studies the seasonal weather forecast provided by the Weather Office and interprets it for farming communities. Advisories on the likelihood of the season are then given to all relevant farming sectors.

b)      Monitoring of Crop performance in relation to prevailing weather is done during the progress of the season. This is studying the crop water balance during different phonological stages of the crop development. Update of the seasonal forecast in the mid-season is made.

c)      Production forecast towards the end of cropping season is done. This is done using several indicators derived from the tools available.

 The clients

1. Farming Communities

2. Ministry of Agriculture and Food security

3. Disaster Management Authority

4. Environment

5. United Nations agencies (FAO, WFP)

6. World Agricultural Meteorology Information System (WAMIS) – (Link: www.wamis.org)

7. Non-Governmental Organisations

8. Drought Monitoring Center – Harare

9. SADC Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Link: www.sadc.int)

Publications

The Section issues Ten-Day Bulletin and a Monthly Bulletin