The devastating El Niño-induced drought during the 2023/2024 cropping season has severely impacted Botswana's economy, reducing its GDP by a staggering 38%, according to a recent report by the Botswana Climate Change Network (BCCN).
Crop yields plummeted from 206,572 metric tonnes in the 2021/2022 season to just 125,184 metric tonnes in the 2022/2023 season. With cereal production meeting only 23 percent of national needs, the country faces a significant food security challenge.
BCCN, a dedicated climate change advocacy organization, emphasized that the drought is a direct consequence of climate change. Rising ocean temperatures have disrupted global rainfall patterns, leading to prolonged droughts and extreme weather events that devastate crops and livestock.
In response to the severe conditions, President Mokgweetsi Masisi declared the 2023/2024 season an \"extreme agricultural year.\" The rainy season from October 2023 to March 2024 was marked by below-average rainfall across Botswana, intensifying the drought's impact.
The economic repercussions are profound. BCCN highlighted that the GDP reduction translates to an annual loss of $5.8 billion for Botswana in 2023. The drought not only affects the economy but also threatens food security and water availability, placing Botswana among Africa's eight most affected countries.
As communities grapple with these challenges, the need for sustainable climate policies and resilience-building measures has never been more critical.
Reference(s):
Report: El-Nino-induced drought reduced Botswana's GDP by 38%
cgtn.com
