Daily rainfall data gives evidence of climate change (Photo: © David Sharland/CMS) Sudan is in the news for the atrocities in Darfur, for sporting prowess and for political issues, but seldom for its climate.
The distance from expanses of water of southern Sudan makes it a place of relatively stable climatic conditions, but, over the past five years, there have been marked and verifiable changes in the weather patterns of the south.
Traditionally, farmers would expect to cultivate and plant in March, the soil having been softened by February rains. Rain would be expected to continue until November.
A dead mango tree in Lui — a sign of a falling water table(Photo: © David Sharland/CMS)Now, however, the rains cannot be relied upon until June and often end in October.
Though the total annual rainfall has not changed so much, the period over which it falls has become truncated, leading to increased flooding and soil erosion.
Longer dry seasons add to water stress of trees and perennial crops, and we are seeing many well established trees dying as the water table drops.
Meteorology The usual rainfall in recent years has been around 900 mms. a year, with 2007 proving an exception — with 1611 mms. spread from May to October.
The flooding of a tree nursery near Lui, September 2007(Photo: © David Sharland/CMS)In 2007, not only did we have the long dry season with nearly no precipitation, but we also had very heavy rains in September, causing extensive flooding.
This led to a lot of soil erosion and further deterioration of already poorly maintained roads.
Many well established and otherwise healthy mango trees died and many others are showing extreme stress. Neem trees, too, are showing signs of defoliation and little growth.
These are both very tolerant species, and are a visual reminder of the dangers facing Sudan and sub-Saharan Africa.
A response? We are seeking to work with local communities and schools, to plant drought-resistant trees that can improve the soil and the environment.
We use grafting techniques to enable the growing of citrus fruits under marginal conditions; we encourage the use of shorter-season food crops; and we use tree and grass lines to reduce the effects of soil erosion.
We also have graphs of rainfall figures that we've been collecting for the last five years. Given that data, we have talked with local government officials about adapting farming practice and recommended using shorter-season crops.
Although previously sceptical about bringing in big changes in farming, such officials, including the Party Secretary, have adopted the rainfall records to such an extent that they are already advising farmers to sow sorghum — which requires less sustained rainfall —rather than maize.
Being able to back their advice with the rainfall figures has given them a new authority and credibilty and new kudos in the local community.
If we believe God to be the source and sustainer of life, we have an obligation to care for his world.
Our brotherly responsibility obliges us to share wisdom of ways to adapt to climate change.
Our partnerships across the world put us in a position to respond on a micro scale to these macro issues.
David and Heather Sharland are CMS mission partners based in Lui in Sudan. David works in agricultural development and Heather works in community health. Both have a lot of experience of rural community-development work in Africa, particularly with the poor and marginalised.