Institute of Water and Energy Sciences Including Climate Change, Pan African University, University of Tlemcen, B.P. 119, 13000, Tlemcen, Algeria.
School of Earth and Environmental Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.
Environ Monit Assess. 2022 Jan 7;194(2):63. doi: 10.1007/s10661-021-09709-4.
Central Malawi has intensely been subjected to different climate-related shocks such as floods, dry spells, and droughts, resulting in decreases in crop yields. Due to their recurrence arising from the effects of climate change, drought characterization, monitoring, and prediction are crucial in guiding agriculture-water users and planners to prepare drought risk management plans and early warning systems. This research analyzed droughts, using multiple drought indices and their impacts on dominant crops over Central Malawi. Forty years of hydro-meteorological data (1977-2017) from nine rain-gauging stations and crop yield data from 1983 to 2017 from four districts were analyzed. The study discovered that drought events in the Agricultural Development Division (ADD) are highly a function of rainfall deficit and high temperatures. The results highlighted that the rainfall patterns in the area are not dependable, calling for the utilization of climate-smart irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting technologies. Furthermore, we achieved that crops such as cassava and groundnuts must be promoted to withstand the long water stress duration. These crops also have a multiplier effect; hence, they can enhance food security in the region. This study recommends that using more robust variables in drought analysis studies is necessary for effective drought monitoring and early warning systems. In corroboration with disaster management NGOs, it is recommended that the government should be proactive in developing integrated drought management policies and planning strategies for drought adaptation and mitigation.
马拉维中部地区频繁遭受洪水、干旱和干旱等与气候相关的灾害，导致作物产量下降。由于气候变化的影响，这些灾害频繁发生，因此干旱特征描述、监测和预测对于指导农业-用水户和规划者制定干旱风险管理计划和预警系统至关重要。本研究分析了马拉维中部地区的干旱情况，使用了多种干旱指数及其对主要作物的影响。本研究分析了 1977 年至 2017 年来自九个雨量站的 40 年水文气象数据以及 1983 年至 2017 年来自四个地区的作物产量数据。研究发现，农业发展司（ADD）的干旱事件主要是降雨量不足和高温的结果。研究结果强调，该地区的降雨模式不可靠，需要利用气候智能型灌溉系统，如滴灌和雨水收集技术。此外，我们发现，必须推广木薯和花生等作物，以抵御长时间的水分胁迫。这些作物还具有乘数效应，因此可以提高该地区的粮食安全水平。本研究建议在干旱分析研究中使用更稳健的变量，以实现有效的干旱监测和预警系统。建议政府与灾害管理非政府组织合作，积极制定综合干旱管理政策和规划战略，以适应和缓解干旱。
