As the nation braces for the harsh realities of the effects of the 2026/2027 El Niño, the Permanent Secretary to the President (PSP), Ms Matshidiso Bokole has reaffirmed government commitment to strengthening preparedness and cushion Batswana.

Addressing the media recently, Ms Bokole noted that current international and regional climate forecasts indicated that a strong to very strong El Niño was developing and expected to bring below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures across much of Southern Africa, including Botswana.

Ms Bokole cautioned that the effects of El Niño could have an impact on the already vulnerable country’s food security owing to the outbreak of the Foot and Mouth Disease.

She indicated that the looping harsh weather condition could lead to declaration of an extreme agricultural drought year resulting in crop failures, livestock losses, water shortages and veldt fires.

Notwithstanding financial constraints, Ms Bokole noted that government had established drought-response mechanisms and developed disaster-management institutions to coordinate emergency responses.

“Some interventions could be implemented with limited resources, while others would be funded to an extent where possible,” she said.

To further emphasise government’s readiness, Ms Bokole said there were multi-sectoral approaches geared towards facilitating resources and response efforts.

She said lessons learned from previous droughts had also improved the country’s ability to monitor climatic conditions and provide early warnings to communities and farmers.

Thus said, government was also keen to engage all stakeholders in strengthening and capacitating response teams.

The Director of Meteorological Services, Ms Chandapiwa Sebeela, cautioned that forecasts suggested an increased likelihood of drought, heat waves, reduced grazing land and lower crop yields during the 2026/2027 season.

Ms Sebeela highlighted that the country was currently under an El Niño Advisory Status, with the Department of Meteorological Services warning that the phenomenon could strengthen during the latter part of 2026 and potentially persist into early 2027.

“The 2026/27 regional outlook indicates an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures across Botswana,” she said.

She said water resources, livestock production and rural incomes could come under considerable pressure.

Furthermore, Ms Sebeela warned that effects of El Niño could extend across several sectors as reduced and delayed rainfall could affect crop production, with arable farming facing significant while reduced pasture and water availability could place pressure on cattle and other livestock.

She noted that higher temperatures increase evaporation while reduced rainfall could lower water levels, increasing pressure on households and businesses.

Ms Sebeela said the tourism and wildlife industry could reduce water availability and affect ecosystems, wildlife movements and tourism-dependent communities.

With regard to health effects, Director of Public Health, Dr Oratile Mfokeng-Selei cautioned that prolonged high temperatures could increase the risk of heat-related illness, particularly among vulnerable groups and outdoor workers.  ENDS