Rainfall and Temperature Fluctuations in Southwest Zimbabwe

Abstract

This chapter analyses rainfall and temperature trends for Beitbridge, Bulilima and Binga districts. The data on rainfall and temperature figures were acquired from the Meteorological Department in Harare. For comparative purposes to see whether there is evidence of climate change data were divided into three generations from 1922 to 2012. Temperature and rainfall are the most important weather variables which impact climate change and climate variability. The first generation, 1922–1952, however, did not have adequate data for Bulilima and Binga districts; hence, this generation was left out of the analysis for all districts. The analysis, therefore, effectively compared the second generation (1952–1982) and the third generation (1982–2012). All graphs are formatted at 2-year interval. Rainfall is a key climate variable for south-western districts because of minority farmer communities’ dependence on rain-fed agriculture and natural pastures for their livestock. Rainfall variability therefore significantly affects agricultural output and food security in this region.