Belize Braces for Drought Conditions

Chief Meteorological Officer Ronald Gordon is warning residents to brace for drought conditions in the coming weeks, as forecasts point to below-average rainfall and the possible development of El Niño patterns later this year.  In response, Belize is moving swiftly to protect its agricultural sector, activating a forward-thinking support mechanism designed to assist farmers before conditions deteriorate. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and New Growth Industries, in collaboration with the National Meteorological Service of Belize and the World Food Programme, has officially triggered the country’s Anticipatory Action framework.  The initiative targets pre-identified farmers in the northern and western districts of Orange Walk, Corozal, and Cayo areas particularly vulnerable to drought. Through the program, farmers will receive early cash assistance, enabling them to invest in water storage systems, irrigation supplies, and drought-resistant seeds ahead of worsening conditions. Authorities say this early intervention is expected to significantly reduce crop losses and safeguard livelihoods.

Ronald Gordon, Chief Meteorologist: “We are expecting this year to be a very difficult and challenging year, especially in the agricultural sector and even persons in the water resources sector BWS and so they should be prepared for potential deficit in waters due to the fact that we are facing a potentially strong El Niño. On the flip side, it could mean a less active hurricane season. I think the last forecast that came out from Colorado State showed about 13 named storms forming, the normal is 14 so that’s just about a bit below normal, with seven becoming hurricanes and two major hurricanes. But as I say that, as I always say also, those numbers are just numbers. It takes only one hurricane to affect us. So even if you’re having a year with drought, limited rainfall, one major hurricane can still be very impactful. So definitely it is a season for persons to look out for climate extremes, drought and potentially significant rainfall events.” 

Love News understands that for some two years there has been collaboration between and among local agencies and international partners to ensure that support reaches farmers before the full impacts of drought are felt.