As we approach the end of 2024, we as smallholder farmers in Umguza, Zimbabwe, face the dual challenges of anticipating rainfall and sustaining crops and livestock during periods of intense heat

As we approach the end of 2024, smallholder farmers in Bulawayo and Umguza, Zimbabwe, face the dual challenges of anticipating rainfall and sustaining crops and livestock during periods of intense heat. This comprehensive guide provides a 30-day weather outlook, strategies for managing agricultural activities without irrigation, and spiritual encouragement rooted in biblical scripture.30-Day Weather Forecast for Bulawayo and Umguza.

The upcoming month is characterised by high temperatures with limited rainfall. According to forecasts, the first significant rainfall is expected around December 18 and 19, with a couple of showers anticipated.

Strategies for Smallholder Farmers Without Irrigation

Given the forecasted conditions, it’s crucial for farmers to adopt practices that conserve soil moisture and enhance crop resilience.

Consider the following strategies:

1. Crop Selection and Diversification: Opt for drought-resistant crops such as sorghum and millet, which are better suited to withstand dry spells. Diversifying crops can also reduce the risk of total crop failure.

2. Conservation Agriculture: Implement minimal tillage to maintain soil structure, use organic mulches to reduce evaporation, and practice crop rotation to improve soil health. These methods help in retaining soil moisture and enhancing fertility.

3. Agroforestry Practices: Integrate trees into farming systems to provide shade, reduce wind speed, and improve soil organic matter. Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) is a cost-effective technique that encourages the regrowth of native trees and shrubs.

4. Rainwater Harvesting: Construct simple structures to collect and store rainwater during the rainy days for use during dry periods. This can provide supplementary water for crops and livestock.5. Livestock Management: Adjust livestock numbers to match the available forage, and explore alternative feed sources such as crop residues or drought-tolerant fodder species. This ensures that livestock nutritional needs are met even during dry spells.

Spiritual Encouragement and Dependence on God

In all seasons, it’s essential to place our trust in God Almighty, seeking His guidance and provision. The Bible offers numerous passages that encourage reliance on God’s faithfulness:   

• Jeremiah 17:7-8: “But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”      

• Psalm 65:9-10: “You care for the land and water it; you enrich it abundantly. The streams of God are filled with water to provide the people with grain, for so you have ordained it. You drench its furrows and level its ridges; you soften it with showers and bless its crops.”   

• Philippians 4:6-7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Engaging in regular prayer, both individually and as a community, fosters a sense of hope and collective resilience. By combining practical agricultural strategies with spiritual practices, smallholder farmers can navigate the challenges of the coming month with faith and determination.