Unseasonal rains threaten crop yields in Ethiopia’s Oromia, Amhara regions; farmers report crop losses

Addis Abeba – Farmers in Oromia and Amhara regions are facing challenges as unseasonal rain threatens agricultural production, leading to reports of crop losses and difficulties in protecting harvests from excessive rainfall.

Temesgen Belay, a farmer from Alamin Hachalu kebele in the Guduru district of Horo Guduru Wollega zone, told Addis Standard that heavy rain began on 24 October and has significantly impacted this year’s crop production.

“The rain has been persistent, and it’s affecting us in ways we didn’t anticipate,” he said. Temesgen, who planted crops such as corn, barley, nug, and teff across 13 hectares, reported that approximately two hectares of teff have been washed away.

“Our kebele encompasses over 500 hectares of land, with about 450 hectares cultivated this season,” he explained. “This year’s excessive rainfall jeopardizes our harvest, and many of us are turning to prayer for relief.”

Temesgen noted that the Guduru district, which comprises 23 kebeles, is known for growing maize, teff, and nug. However, he reported that the unseasonable rain is affecting both crop quality and yield. “This rain is damaging our maize, teff, barley, and wheat in two key ways. It not only reduces the quantity of our crops but also affects their quality,” he said.

Temesgen added that other districts in the Horo Guduru zone, including Hababo Guduru, Choman Guduru, and Abay Choman, are experiencing similar problems due to excessive rainfall.

Tilahun Gemechu, a farmer from Kortu Chancho kebele in Bako Tibe district, West Shewa zone, echoed similar concerns, describing the difficulties he’s facing since heavy rain began on October 22.

Tilahun, who planted barley, teff, beans, wheat, and maize across 18 hectares, said that erosion and flooding are taking a toll on crop yields in Bako Tibe. “This year’s production will fall short of our initial expectations,” he said, adding that he has already seen damage from hail and intense rain.

“Last Friday, heavy hail devastated my two hectares of beans. This year’s unseasonal rain is worse than last year’s, washing away essential soil nutrients and fertilizers,” he explained.

The Amhara region is experiencing similar agricultural challenges. In Dembiya district, Central Gondar zone, farmers report that teff, the area’s main crop, has been impacted by recent rains, leading to localized damage.

Shewafera Teshome, Head of the Crop Development Team in Kewet district, North Shewa zone, noted that while unseasonal rains have not yet caused widespread harm, there is concern over potential risks to crops approaching harvest.

Shewafera reported that 18 kebeles in the woreda are currently cultivating about 43,208 hectares, primarily with teff, sorghum, and green mung. Wheat and beans are also grown in the area, with barley sown in phases. However, he highlighted that the 5,000 hectares of sorghum planted in July may experience delayed ripening, increasing vulnerability to further rainfall

A report by FAO on 10 October, 2024, noted that while Ethiopia’s main Meher season crops showed promise, unseasonal rains, along with the lingering effects of drought, localized flooding, and insecurity in regions like Amhara and Oromia, are jeopardizing crop quality and yield. As a result, approximately 15.8 million people are projected to require emergency food assistance, with adverse weather conditions compounding existing vulnerabilities in agricultural production. AS