Traditionalists predict rains, bumper harvest

TRADITIONALISTS have predicted that the country will receive normal to above normal rainfall in the 2016/2017 farming season, relying on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), on the back of "successful" rain making ceremonies.

Their forecasts corroborate weather experts' predictions which have also pointed to improved rainfall from last season.

The traditionalists have also predicted high temperatures warning of possible heat waves in different parts of the country this summer.

Zinatha cultural secretary Mr Ernest Tekere told Sunday News that the rain making ceremonies that were conducted in October this year had been successful and enough rains were expected.

Rain making ceremonies are held before the end of October every year as people ask God, through ancestors, for enough rains and adequate yields.

"This year will be better than the last that I can assure you. Most parts of the country will get rains.

"We conducted our rain making ceremonies in October and our ancestors, through spirit mediums, assured us of enough peaceful rains," said Mr Tekere.

Mr Tekere said rains will come with bumper harvests to put paid to the prevailing drought situation in most parts of the country.

He, however, warned of high temperatures this summer urging authorities to prepare people for the extreme weather conditions

"The ancestors also warned of high temperatures starting January. We might experience heat waves like last year and people need to be ready for that.

"People must be warned in time so that they get prepared," he said.

A local traditional healer, Mrs Dorothy Gumede concurred with Mr Tekere's rainfall predictions.

"Izulu likhona lonyaka. We held our ceremonies and we were assured of rains so we are optimistic," she said.

Another traditionalist, Mr Tichakunda Bote said there were clear natural indicators of good rains this year.

"Nature is telling us of a good season. Signs, both short and long term, are there for anyone to see.

"The rains will be enough for people to harvest, dams to fill up and for livestock pastures," he said.

Added Mr Bote, "The behaviour of some species of birds tells us how the season will shape up. When you see certain type of birds like the southern ground hornbills, which are hardly seen then you know a good season beckons.

"There are a lot of signs we have seen this year to convince us that the season will be good," he said.

Mr Bote echoed Mr Tekere's remarks that this season's rains will be peaceful.

"The rains are going to be peaceful. Ancestors have assured us of that.

"What usually causes violent thunderstorms that destroy property and lives are our sins. Ancestors will be angry and they would need to be appeased," he said.

Cultural expert Mr Pathisa Nyathi said indigenous knowledge systems had a place in weather patterns predictions and should be integrated with modern knowledge to achieve accurate forecasts.

"The bottom line is nature predicts itself. Nature knows what's going to happen. When man knows what is going to happen, it is because he is part of nature," he said.

Mr Nyathi added that there were many indications within nature that can be used to predict weather patterns.

"Indications can be long term or short term. When you see nature behaving in a certain manner you can make short term or long term weather predictions.

"For example when birds build nests above a pool of water, how far from the water the nest hangs can indicate the kind of season ahead. If the nest hangs far from the water then you know the season will be wet," he said.

Mr Nyathi further elaborated, "Birds like the ground hornbill are good indicators of rains. You can also study the manner in which trees give off fruit to forecast the weather".

He bemoaned the neglect of indigenous knowledge systems in favour of Western knowledge systems, noting that integration of the two can yield better results.

"It's sad that Africans are making all efforts that they can master to run away from themselves. What makes sense to people now is Western knowledge.

"Africans need to appreciate that life did not start when whites made contact with us.

"We will emerge wiser if we combine our own knowledge and what we get from the West," opined Mr Nyathi.

Traditionalists have on many occasions clashed with the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) over weather forecasts with weather experts often dismissing forecasts by traditionalists.

According to weather experts Zimbabwe is expected to receive normal to above normal rains during the 2016/17 rainy season.

Yesterday the MSD warned of high rainfall characterised by lightning, heavy winds and floods with potential of floods between today and Tuesday throughout the country.