The period from March to May 2020, commonly known as “IMPESHI”, is a season of heavy rains in all natural regions of the country. According to forecasts by the Geographic Institute of Burundi (IGEBU), there is an increased probability of above-normal rainfall in some regions of the country and near normal rainfall with an excess trend in the rest of the country.

This statement comes from the workshop to present an information note on seasonal weather forecasting valid for the “IMPESHI” growing season: March-May 2020, which was organized in Bujumbura by IGEBU on Tuesday, February 11, 2020.

The presentation of the seasonal weather forecast consisted of the quantitative and qualitative description of the expected rainfall in the various regions of the country.

The Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of the Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Mr. Emmanuel Ndorimana, who opened this workshop, said on this occasion that for the agricultural sector, this information is of a particular nature because, in his opinion, heavy rains or insufficient rainfall can have negative consequences on harvests.

According to seasonal weather forecasts, the effective start of season B, commonly known as “IMPESHI”, began in January 2020 in most parts except for the part of Bugesera and part of Mirwa where the effective start began with the first decade of February 2020.

Weather forecasts also indicate that the end of the “IMPESHI” season is expected at the end of the second decade of May in the Imbo, Moso and Bweru regions. For the rest of the country, the end of the season is expected at the end of May 2020.

During this period, according to the IGEBU meteorology services, rainfall is expected to be higher than normal in the regions of Moso, Bututsi, Imbo, Kirimiro, Mugamba, part of Bugesera, and part of Bugesera, and near normal rainfall with an excess trend in the rest of the country.

During this meeting, participants had the opportunity to present their views and suggested adapting weather forecasts to agriculture. They therefore recommended the broadcast on the airwaves of all radio stations broadcasting on Burundian territory, daily and seasonal weather forecasts so that decision-makers and the agricultural population could take the necessary strategies and measures taking into account the expected climate or meteorological situation.

Workshop participants expressed the desire to organize regular radio and television panels to inform the public about what needs to be done to deal with the harmful effects of climate change.

They also proposed mapping high-risk areas and setting up a climate alert system in order to avoid material and human losses.

The IGEBU officials took good note of all the recommendations of the participants. They also said that the IGEBU forecasting service will continue to monitor the behavior of the season and inform the public about possible changes.