By Benilde Manjaze
The heat wave is an increasingly frequent phenomenon, characterized by above-average temperature increases during a specific period. In recent years, Mozambique has experienced high temperatures compared to annual averages due to global climate changes.The heat wave not only affects human comfort but also has significant consequences on agricultural production. Although crops need sunlight, excessive exposure can alter their capacity, thereby reducing their growth rate and compromising food production.This was the case recorded in the Maputo Province, Mahochahomo area, where due to the lack of rain and intense heat, Lucinda Timane, a peasant and member of RWA in Mozambique, reported suffering losses because her corn was drastically affected.
Lucinda Timane, a producer for more than 30 years, mentioned that she lost corn in an area of more than one hectare. “At this time, we, the peasants, suffer when the corn struggles with heat and does not grow as it should, even with watering,” Lucinda stated.She also pointed out that the situation is challenging due to the high temperatures, a scenario that affects not only producers but also consumers and vendors, as the population seeks these products. For peasant women, the issue of climate crises has become increasingly alarming as they can no longer produce the quantities previously produced; currently, production tends to reduce. With the high temperatures recorded, producers even run the risk of water scarcity in rivers.Besides corn, Timane also lost pumpkin crops and hopes that the next agricultural campaign will be marked by moderate temperatures, so they knew what to produce at a certain time.
“I remember that in my grandparents’ era, there were production cycles; in one phase, they produced crops suitable for the season, but nowadays, we don’t know; we depend on luck.”