AN expert at a workshop on drought management argued that the El Niño phenomenon’s impact on Southern Africa has been exaggerated and is already weakening, Business Day reported this morning.
Neville Cross of Omnia Holdings says that the El Niño phenomenon disappeared entirely for about eight days in November, then returned in a much weaker form. During the eight day lull, the weather patterns that resulted could in fact bring heavy rain to Southern Africa.
Director general of agriculture Bongiwe Njobe-Mbuli however said it remained highly probable that there would be little or no rain in certain parts, and farmers should gear to face any eventuality, for example reducing stock numbers. She also said the above-average rains so far were in keeping with the expected El Niño patterns.