The expected rainfall from March to May may lead to extreme weather events such as flooding, landslides, strong winds and other extreme weather-related events in some parts of the country, according to Rwanda Meteorology Agency.

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Heavy rains of between 500-600 millimetres are expected in southern parts of Nyaruguru district, in Musanze and most parts of Burera districts. It is also expected over northern parts of Nyabihu and Gakenke districts.

Rainfall of between 400 and 500 millimetres is expected in most parts of Northern, Southern and Western Provinces, as well as in western parts of Nyarugenge and in north western parts of Gasabo district.

The forecast comes at a time when the City of Kigali faces a budget deficit to rehabilitate 34 drainages to reduce flooding.

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The rainfall between 300-400 millimetres is expected over most parts of Eastern Province save for Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts and southern parts of Kirehe district; Kicukiro district, southern parts of Gasabo and eastern parts of Nyarugenge district.

The rainfall below 300 millimetres is expected in the eastern parts of Nyagatare and Gatsibo districts and a small portion of southern part of Kirehe district.

Push for fast maturing crop varieties to cope with dry spells

The early cessation of rainfall is expected in south eastern parts of the country, Amayaga region and most parts of Kigali from May 20 to 25.

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"Agriculture extensionists should encourage farmers to plant fast maturing varieties and adopt agricultural practices that increase or improve soil water holding capacity,” said the forecaster.

Meteo Rwanda has advised public institutions, NGOs, the private sector and the general public, especially farmers, to take note of the forecast and use it to make informed decisions regarding crop planting, harvesting and management practices.

"Based on the seasonal prediction of March, April and May 2023 (2023B Agricultural season), stakeholders in agriculture sector are advised to fasttrack agricultural activities including land preparation, selection of suitable crops, seeds and fertilizers delivery to the farmers, timely planting according to the suggested dates,” says the the forecast released on Friday, February 24.

The agency has pledged, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources (MINAGRI), Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB), the Ministry in charge of Emergency Management (MINEMA) and other partners, to continue to support different initiatives aimed at availing weather and climate products for effective planning and decision making especially in areas mostly affected by extreme weather.