(MAGWI COUNTY) – The Director for Agriculture, Environment, and Forestry in Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State, Mannix Augustine Oloya Okalanga, has urged local farmers to focus on preserving their crops to prevent food shortages caused by erratic weather patterns.
A recent dry spell disrupted the second planting season, causing many seeds to wither in the fields due to insufficient rainfall. Augustine stated that climate change had severely affected this season’s harvest, making the protection of existing food stocks a matter of survival.
He explained that the second season, typically the most productive, has seen crops fail in many areas. “Many farmers missed the best planting window while waiting for consistent rains that did not arrive,” Augustine said.
Maize and beans were identified as the most affected crops, with Augustine warning that the loss of these staples could trigger a food crisis in Magwi County and surrounding areas.
The Agriculture Director advised farmers not to sell all their harvest. Instead, he suggested using proceeds from the first season to strengthen household food reserves.
He added that families would face difficulties in the coming year, as household needs including education, healthcare, and daily meals depend on this year’s agricultural output. A shortage of produce could stretch family resources thin.
To mitigate these risks, Augustine recommended careful storage of remaining yields and encouraged planting cassava stems. Cassava is more resilient to weather fluctuations and can provide a vital safety net against hunger.
He also noted that while the second season underperformed, the overall farming output for the year remains higher than the previous year. Proper storage and management of this produce are therefore essential to safeguard food security in Magwi County.
Crop Impact and Recommendations in Magwi County
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Magwi County |
| Climate Issue | Dry spell and erratic rainfall |
| Affected Crops | Maize, beans |
| Recommended Action | Preserve existing food stocks, avoid selling entire harvest |
| Alternative Crops | Cassava (resilient to weather fluctuations) |
| Household Impact | Food security, education, healthcare, daily feeding at risk |
| Current Year Output | Higher than previous year overall, despite second season failure |
| Next Season Outlook | Challenges expected; proper storage and crop selection crucial |
| Advice to Farmers | Use first-season proceeds to support household needs and invest in resilient crops |
| Goal | Protect food security and reduce risk of local famine |