Agriculture - Use and Needs of Climate Services National Consultation on a Framework for Climate Services in Belize Presented by: Mr. Andrew Harrison Climate Change Focal Point Ministry of Natural Resources & Agriculture Radisson Fort George Belize City 30 th October to 1 st November

Agro-Forecast Provided to the MNRA 2

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Temperature Above Normal Temperature can be expected over Belize and her coastal waters for the month of October Temperatures that are expected across the country are as follows: Northern Areas 40% chance of above normal temperature (above 28.0°C) ( o F) Central and Inland Areas 40% chance of above normal temperature (above 27.2°C) Southern Areas 40% chance of above normal temperature (above 27.3°C) Agro-Forecast Provided to the MNRA 5

Seasonal Precipitation forecast for October- November-December is for equal chance of Normal to Above Normal rainfall to prevail over the country. Watches/Warnings: WINDS East - Northeast knots. Localizes flooding will continue to affect most areas of the country. These flood waters can be damaging to crops and livestocks. Forecaster: Cumberbatch/ Gentle Next Update: 31st Thursday 2013 at 12:00pm Agro-Forecast Provided to the MNRA 6

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Commodity Components 8

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Crop Calendar 11

Additional Information that would be Useful in Agriculture on a Seasonal Basis Dry seasonWet season Downscaled information to a regional or district level Cold Fronts alerts High temperature alertsPrecipitation forecast Relative humidityRelative humidity/dew point Evapo-transpiration Drought alert Wind direction Expected rainfall by region 12

Collaborate with the Met Office to provide Training of Extension officers other stakeholders Extension Officers can integrate and follow through with the forecast with farmers (simpler level) Network with NEMO on flood prone agricultural land Understand the relationship of soil type with high rainfall and dry spells District stations subscribe to monthly weather data – precipitation, temperature What Agriculturalists can do to feed into the improvement of the Met Services 13

Suggestions for the Meteorological Service Suggestions for the Meteorological Service Consistency of Report Make Reports More Graphical Consider Other Means Dissemination Of Information E.G. Digicel D’ Loop Modeling for Pest and Disease Use Common Measuring Units 14

15 For your attention Thank You