Agricultural economist Zama Sangweni warns that El Niño could lower crop yields and impact regional trade, energy, and employment.
Key facts
- •Zama Sangweni of Absa AgriBusiness identified El Niño as a risk to summer crop yields.
- •The weather pattern is expected to drive up food prices in Southern Africa.
- •Zambia is noted as being particularly vulnerable to these climate-related disruptions.
- •The potential impacts extend to regional trade, employment, and hydropower stability.
Absa AgriBusiness agricultural economist Zama Sangweni has warned that the El Niño weather pattern could lead to reduced summer crop yields across Southern Africa. This shift in weather conditions is expected to place upward pressure on food prices throughout the region.
Economic and Regional Impacts
The potential for more severe weather conditions may necessitate a shift in regional trade dynamics. Countries such as Zambia face particular exposure to these climate risks, as their economies rely heavily on agriculture, employment sectors tied to farming, and hydropower generation.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Bloomberg Markets.
