How to Successfully Farm Under Erratic Rainfall or Long Dry Spells

Life has to be sustained with food even during the dry season when weather and climatic conditions aren’t favourable for farming.

To continue with food production work despite the odds, you can follow the following steps:

i). Do rainwater harvesting during rainy periods for use during dry spells

ii). Don’t rush to plant until the rains are established

iii). Use low-tech systems like drip irrigation or gravity-fed bucket systems to deliver water directly to the roots

iv). Bury empty plastic bottles with small holes in their caps upside down near plant roots for a slow, consistent water supply

v). Water deeply and less frequently in early morning or late evening to encourage deep root growth

vi). Dig small pits filled with organic manure to trap water, reduce runoff and concentrate nutrients directly at the plant root

vii). Grow drought-tolerant crops

viii). Plant fast-maturing seeds to ensure harvest before the long dry spells start

ix). Plant a mix of crops to spread risk

x). Cover the soil around plants with organic material like grass, leaves or sawdust to retain moisture, reduce evaporation, suppress weeds and regulate soil temperature

xi). Minimize soil disturbance to keep the soil covered, protect its structure and prevent moisture loss xii). Add compost or manure into the soil to improve its ability to act as a sponge and hold more water xiii). Plant crops along the contour lines of the land to reduce soil erosion and increase water infiltration xiv). Farm in containers (sacks, basins buckets tins, grow bags), sacks

xv). Sprinkle a small amount of wood ash around young plants to help lower soil temperature and deter pests

xvi). Integrate trees into the farm to provide shade, break the wind, keep the soil cooler and reduce water loss

xvii). Use technology and indigenous knowledge for better forecasting to build resilience against unpredictable weather.