Abstract
Climate change is set to increase the risk and uncertainty of maize production in the semi-arid Regions of Zimbabwe. The study had the objective to determine the existence of climate change in Masvingo District using the long term behaviour of the growing season length and its parameters over a period of 31 years (1970-2001), and to match the life cycle period of locally available maize, sorghum and pearl millet varieties with growing season length. The onset of the rain season was found to be an important indicator of growing season length and was observed to have changed from late October to late November. The growing season length for the District was noted to have changed significantly (P < 0.01) from 120 days during the early 70s to 100 days in the year 2001. With the seasonal length now averaging at 100 days, the results show that the current climate is no longer suitable for growing maize when considering the average life cycle of maize in terms of days from planting to harvesting, but is now marginally suitable for Sorghum and Pearl Millet production. Farmers in Masvingo Province are advised to stop growing rain fed maize for livelihood but focus on growing sorghum and pearl millet crops.
Highlights
Climate change is a reality and the impacts are with us (FAO, 2004; IPPC report, 2007; Simba et al, 2013)
With the seasonal length averaging at 100 days, the results show that the current climate is no longer suitable for growing maize when considering the average life cycle of maize in terms of days from planting to harvesting, but is marginally suitable for Sorghum and Pearl Millet production
The rain season length shifted from an average of 120 days to about 100 days, reflecting a change in climate
Summary
Climate change is a reality and the impacts are with us (FAO, 2004; IPPC report, 2007; Simba et al, 2013). Research has shown that the threat of related extreme conditions like changes in temperature, precipitation, water availability and shortening of the length of growing season have major implications for sustainable development, in Southern Africa (Edoga, 2007; Tadross et al, 2007; Rhines and Huyber, 2013). The onset of the rain season determines the starting of the growing period and date of planting for the farmer. A delay in the onset of the rain season, in semi-arid Southern Africa Region will delay the date of planting and will result in crops extending their growing period into the winter season, where the prevailing lower temperatures will negatively affect cereal yield. It has been noted that the length of the growing season is correlated to the onset of the rain season (Sivakumar, 1988; Kanemasu et al, 1990; Oladipo and kyari, 1993; Chiduza, 1995; Mupangwa, 2011)
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