Phenomenon likely to result in irregular and below-normal rainfall and a more intense, prolonged dry season in some areas of Central America and the Dominican Republic.
San Jose, Costa Rica, August 5, 2014 (IICA). The Executive Secretariat of the Central American Agricultural Council (SECAC) has recommended that the member countries, which include the Dominican Republic, implement national- and regional-level actions to reduce the impact of El Niño on the agricultural sector.
The SECAC, supported by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), suggested that the adverse climatic conditions forecast for the region by the Central American Forum on Climate call for measures such as the management of crop reserves and efforts to ensure that water is available for both the population and production activities. It also recommended strengthening pest and disease surveillance and preparing a strategy for the use of seeds that are more resistant to dry conditions.
According to IICA specialist Manuel Jiménez, basic grains such as rice, corn and beans are among the crops most vulnerable to an episode of El Niño, especially in the case of farms that do not use irrigation or are located in Central America’s “dry corridor.” For that reason, it is recommended that farmers adjust planting times, use improved seeds and either not plant some crops or switch to different ones in highly vulnerable areas.
Livestock, pasture management, water and animal health would require measures adapted to specific areas, since water and food supplies could come under threat, especially in the dry season.
According to the climate forecast, over the next three months the region will be faced with irregular and below-normal rainfall in Central America’s “dry corridor,” a prolonged, intense warm spell, less hurricane activity in the Caribbean and more in the Eastern Pacific, and the early conclusion of the rainy season in some countries of the region.
Some of these conditions could increase the risk of forest fires during the next dry season, making sensitization and preparedness campaigns for fire brigades necessary, Jiménez remarked.
The recommendations were made at the Specialized Forum on the Application of Climate Forecasts, held in El Salvador in mid-July, where SECAC coordinated the discussion of agricultural issues. At the meeting, regional specialists in agriculture and meteorology discussed the impact of, and outlook for, climate variability, and defined prevention and mitigation strategies.
During the forum, it was proposed that options be explored for efficient, sustainable water use, such as infrastructures that use systems for collecting and storing rainwater. The participants also suggested monitoring climate conditions, maintaining up-to-date records of losses and implementing a strategy for correct information management.
SECAC is also promoting the exchange of national preparedness plans and technical support for countries that need it.
Jiménez gave details of the conclusions reached in a videoconference held at IICA Headquarters for representatives of the agricultural sectors of Central America and the Dominican Republic.
He explained that the alerts were designed to reduce damages and losses in the countries, but emphasized that comprehensive actions needed to be planned further in advance.
“It is essential to adopt better production practices and adequate risk management, so that instead of reacting to the crisis the countries are prepared and have a long-term vision to facilitate the adaptation of agriculture to climate change and climate variability,” he observed.
For more information, contact:
manuel.jimenez@iica.int
