Zimbabwe needs re-mapping - experts

The five natural regions which Zimbabwe is divided into are a result of the mapping done in the 1960s, a time when the phenomenon of climate change was virtually unknown.

Questions have however been raised as to how Zimbabwe has not re-mapped the five ecological regions in light of global warming despite the country boasting of many scientists and researchers.

In 1962, Zimbabwe was divided into five natural or agro-ecological regions based on rainfall patterns temperature and soil type.

This enabled stakeholders to plan for agricultural activities.

Fifty-one years down the line, the same agro-ecological regions are still being adhered to despite climatic changes which have resulted in adverse weather conditions.

Due to global warming, rains have become erratic resulting in the deterioration of food production.

Research indicates that except for natural region 1 which is protected by terrain, regions 2 to 5 have been the worst affected with more land becoming deserts.

Meteorological Services Department Director,  Amos Makarau says there is need to redefine these ecological regions based on temperature, rainfall patterns and terrain.

An agro-meteorologist, Mr Barnabas Chipindu says the revision of the natural regions  will assist in  crop-based research to find what is suitable in each region to embrace existing technology which will assist farmers adapt and have better livelihoods.

With many farmers still sticking to traditional seed varieties that are no-longer suitable in the wake of challenges posed by climate change, Director of the Biotechnology Research Institute, Dr Dexter Savadye says the remapping will help in coming up with suitable seed varieties for the new regions to ensure maximum productivity.

Over the past few years, the country has been experiencing prolonged dry spells, drought, floods and other extreme weather conditions resulting in some parts of the country experiencing serious food shortages.

With climate change having become a global environmental threat, many would question why it has taken so long for relevant authorities to revise the natural farming regions developed in 1960s?

Has the country utilised its researchers and scientists or the said professionals are not competent enough?

With droughts having become a common feature season in Zimbabwe, is it not too late to revisit the agro-ecological zones now considering the damage that has already been done?