STATE weather forecasters have announced the end of La Niña with a transition to El Niño expected later this year.
La Niña is characterized by above normal rainfall conditions that lead to adverse impacts such as heavy rainfall, floods and landslides. On the other hand, El Niño is characterized by below-normal conditions that can cause dry spells.
So, let us expect less rainfall – or none at all – and scorching heat.
The biggest challenge, however, is in the agriculture sector. Less rainfall means less water supply for irrigation. Dry spells cause damage to agricultural products. This situation could also displace agricultural workers. In mitigation plans being drawn up by various national government agencies and local government units, livelihood assistance must be included. Workers in this sector actually suffer a double whammy. They not only lose their livelihood and income, they also suffer as consumers.
Our agriculture workers particularly in the rural areas are vulnerable and this is why the sector always had the highest poverty and underemployment incidence. They must be taught strategies to mitigate the impacts of a drought such as modified cropping calendar and pattern; planting of short gestating rice varieties; maximizing the utilization of effective rainfall; provision of water pumps; strict implementation of proper water management and water savings technology; reduction of water loss through canal lining and irrigation canals maintenance; and water recycling.
We cannot stop a dry spell. The most that we can do is prepare for its adverse effects in the agriculture sector. Let us observe simple, practical measures to efficiently use our water resource like gathering and storing rainwater for daily chores, using water dipper instead of shower when bathing, turning off faucets properly, and immediately repairing leaking pipes and running toilets, among others.
More importantly, with the changing environment due to climate change we have to be always prepared for future dry spells by implementing permanent mitigation measures such as establishment of rain harvesting and small water impounding facilities. This will contribute in securing the water requirements of our communities, particularly the farmers which are vital in our food security programs.
The key here is to be prepared.
